Rudresh Mahanthappa – Gamak
There is an invisible connection between the two principal dialects of Indian music—Hindustani and Carnatic—and the dialect of jazz. All three are really old...
Steve Turre: Spiritman
There are few recordings to wait for with greater anticipation than one by trombonist and seashellist Steve Turre. This extraordinary musician bestrides two disparate...
Jeff Ballard Trio: Time’s Tales
Jeff Ballard has spent the equivalent of a month of Sundays casting his shadow along with bassist Larry Grenadier’s in the Brad Mehldau Trio....
Lina Allemano Four – Live at the Tranzac
The beauty of Lina Allemano’s trumpet playing lies in its bottomless depth and glimmering sonority. On her album, Live at the Tranzac, featuring music...
Desmond White Presents: Glace
If it were possible to trace the path of how the mind moves upon silence the lyrical run-up to the main event might sound...
Berta Moreno: Little Steps
Berta Moreno’s dream of coming to America, which she mentions in her impassioned notes that accompany the disc entitled Little Steps, have come true...
Alexis Cuadrado – A Lorca Soundscape
The mighty task of transposing the great Federico García Lorca from the landscape of poetry to the soundscape of music—despite the inherent musicality of his work—is a daunting one.
Teri Roiger/John Menegon – Misterioso
Any Jazz musician who wants to learn how to accompany a vocalist, not getting in the way but still keep it interesting should listen...
Michael Simon: Asian Connection
It’s easy sometimes to forget that the extraordinarily-gifted trumpeter and flugelhorn-player Michael Simon came from Venezuela. He has been making a living out of...
Magnetic is Terence Blanchard’s new album
Recorded by the prestigious label Blue Note Records, Magnetic is the new album of the committed trumpeter Terence Blanchard. This was a teamwork composition...
Paolo Fresu Devil Quartet – Desertico
If Paolo Fresu is quickly becoming one of the most sought after trumpet players it might easily be because he calls to mind a...
The Debut Album of Mitch Shiner and the BloomingTones Big Band: Fly!
As soon as I played the first track on Mr. Shiner and the BloomingTones Big Band ´s debut album, I was astonished by the...
Papo Vazquez: JS Bach – Goldberg Variations
There are no sacred cows in music – certainly not for Papo Vazquez. His 2018 offering in a quartet format is selections from Johann...
Steve Turre – Woody`s Delight
Few trombone players in Steve Turre’s generation have pushed the boundaries of their instrument further than he has. Born of the blue, hard bopping...
Gerry Gibbs, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron: Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio
Gerry Gibbs’ album Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio truly lives up to its name. Not only are bassist Ron Carter and pianist Kenny Barron...
Jaimeo Brown – Transcendence
Jaimeo Brown’s music on Transcendence is among the most mesmerising ever put down on record in a long time; at least since a musician...
Steve Turre – The Bones of Art
This may not be the first time that Steve Turre has used multiple trombones on a recording date nor will it be the last....
Marc Cary – For the Love of Abbey
There is a story that may well not be apocryphal in the history of jazz. When Billie Holiday passed away, the pianist Mal Waldron...
Manuel Valera Trio: Live at Firehouse 12
This recording is a fascinating, satisfying live programme which brings together three of the most active, finest musicians in New York whose work...
Lisa Engelken: Little Warrior
Lisa Engelken is a fearless, versatile singer as she demonstrates once again on her new release, Little Warrior. Her song selection and interpretations reveal...
