Conrad Herwig began paying his dues in Clark Terry’s ensemble before joining Joe Henderson’s Septet, where he began to flower. Featured performances with Tom Harrell, Joe...
Inspired by his South Bronx Afro-Cuban roots, percussionist Ray Mantilla rose to prominence in the early ’70s, performing with a host of prestigious bands, and eventually...
Devotees of the incredible vivacity of Afro-Caribbean music will be spoiled for choice of a favourite moment (or moments) on this inspired 2019 release by Bill...
This album Jazz Latin by Bill O’Connell is – as always – like an elegant railway system linking the myriad elements of Jazz, with those of...
After a 40-year long career that has seen him excel as a leader, soloist, arranger, musical director, and accompanist for some of the most celebrated names...
In 1932, Duke Ellington wrote one of the most famous songs, one that has not only endured for decades but might also be held up as...
In the perennial debate over which version of piano music is more important: solo or ensemble, studio or live, Bill O’Connell hitherto left no doubt that...
Through the years Bill O’Connell reading of Latin-Jazz has been characterised as music that is typically measured and full-bodied, freighted with meaning. This recording Heart-Beat is...
If you are one among the group who considers Sammy Figueroa to be a percussionist’s percussionist you might as well count yourself in a sizeable majority....
Bill O’Connell is a fine pianist. He is underrated and seems to dwell in the shadows of New York musicians with a higher profile than his....
It is not unusual today for the music of any idiom to collide with another and produce a seismic event in both idioms. Music marketers call...
Lucky Charm: Sammy Figueroa and Glaucia Nasser Bring Brazilian Song and Latin Jazz Together in a Beautiful Accident on ‘Talisman’ With special guests Bianca Gismonti and...
Ray Mantilla may be better remembered for his being one of the founding members of Max Roach’s legendary drum ensemble, M’Boom, but in reality that came...
There are so many reasons why Bill O’Connell’s record, Zócalo recommends itself. The title is charming. The ensemble on the date is what might easily qualify...