by Richard Kamins, Step Tempest “There are so many highlights (and no weak moments) in the 17-song program.” Read the full review here.
REVIEW: SOMI’s ‘Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba’ – Step Tempest
Step Tempest
REVIEW: Adam Larson’s ‘With Love, From Chicago’ – Step Tempest
by Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest “Larson makes his debut on Outside In Music leading a trio that features bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. “With Love From Chicago” contains 10 pieces, three by the leader, four by bassist Sommers, and one each by Thelonious Monk, Chicago-based tenor saxophonist John Wojciechowski, and J. Russel … Read More
BEST OF 2021: Yearly Roundup Includes Ted Nash and Glenn Close’s ‘Transformation’ – Step Tempest
by Richard Kamins, Step Tempest “Ms. Close and Mr. Nash decided to work together after the actress hosted the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (of which Mr. Nash is a charter member) after a concert near her summer home in Maine.” Read the full article here.
REVIEW: Sam Pilnick “The Adler Suite” – Step Tempest
By Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest “The Adler Suite” (Outside In Music) started its life when the composer served as a chaperone on a school trip to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Not only was Pilnick impressed by the architecture (see photo below) but was fascinated by the many displays that spoke of man’s quest … Read More
REVIEW: Ted Nash & Glenn Close, Tim Hagans – Step Tempest
By Richard Kamins, Step Tempest Ahhhh….the sounds of the modern Big Band. The stories on these two albums will touch your heart and the rhythms just might shake the foundations of your house. Read more here.
REVIEWS: Jihye Lee Orchestra & Steven Feifke on Step Tempest
By Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest During the pandemic, we have gotten used to seeing and hearing small group performances. But, here are two classy large ensemble recordings that captured my attention and imagination. Read more here.
GUITARRIST GALORE: Alex Wintz “Live To Tape” on Step Tempest
By Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest Guitarist, composer, and educator Alex Wintz is one busy person. Between gigs with Etienne Charles, Roxy Coss, and Nick Finzer, his own trio, and private lessons, the California native (raised in New Jersey) stays quite busy. Read this article here.
REVIEW: Geof Bradfield, Ben Goldberg & Dana Hall Trio “General Semantics” – Step Tempest
By Step Tempest What a splendid sonic journey this is. Opening with the quiet rush of “Air” (Bradfield on tenor, Goldberg on contra alto, and Hall using brushes), the music dances forward delightfully as the two reed players carry on quite a conversation. Read the full review here.
REVIEW: Mike Fahie “Urbane” Reviewed on Step Tempest
By Richard B. Kamins, Step Tempest Mike Fahie is a multi-faceted artist: he plays trombone, composes, arranges, plays in several large ensembles as well as having played Broadway shows, and teaches at both the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. but also is on the faculty of United Nations International School. Read this … Read More
REVIEW: Mehmet Ali Sanlikol “The Rise Up” Reviewed on Step Tempest
By Richard Kamins, Step Tempest The commission has resulted in “The Rise Up; Stories of Strife, Struggle, and Inspiration” (Dünya), credited to Mehmet Ali Sanlikol & Whatsnext? Featuring Dave Liebman. Read this review here.