Bill Milkowski
Bill’s Contributions
May 2009 • Albums
Returns
Return to Forever
Although the ’70s jazz-rock supergroup did get together for a brief reunion tour in 1983 (some new music was written for the occasion but never recorded), Return to Forever’s last album came in 1976 (Romantic Warrior). That’s 33 years between releases. Remarkably...
May 2009 • Undertones
Workin' It
Eric Bolvin
The title track here is quintessential happy jazz while the soothing “Rocket Love” fails to launch. The energy level picks up on “Time Bomb,” fueled by the Albert King-inspired blues guitarist Chris Cain. “Belita” reverts to smooth-jazz doldrums until the...
May 2009 • Undertones
A Hamster Speaks
Brinsk
“Out” jazz with punk attitude on this smart, under-the radar outing from Montreal upstarts Jacob Wick on trumpet, Adam Dotson on euphonium, tenor saxophonist Evan Smith, drummer Jason Nazary and principal composer-bassist Aryeh Kobrinsky. This fiercely uncompromising...
May 2009 • Undertones
Modes of Limited Transcendence
Gene Ess
Accomplished guitarist-composer Gene Ess unveils a batch of ambitious new tunes performed by a world-class crew of pianist Tigran Hamasyan, bassist Harvie S and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Ess’ pungent, Sco-ish hollowbody guitar tones and cascading lines go down...
May 2009 • Undertones
Fulminate Trio
Fulminate Trio
This daring trio of drummer Michael Evans, guitarist Anders Nilsson and in-demand free-jazz bassist Ken Filiano operates on a delicate, acute-listening dynamic for half of this experimental ECM-ish program (particularly on Carla Bley’s “Floater” and Nilsson’s...
May 2009 • Undertones
My Very Life
Paulinho Garcia
Brazilian guitarist-vocalist Paulinho Garcia showcases some of the lesser-known rhythms of his native country on this appealing disc. On the engaging baiao “Cintura Fina,” he exhibits some freewheeling scatting and a rhythmically charged comping style, then...
May 2009 • Undertones
Chromatosphere
Jake Hertzog
Accomplished guitarist Jake Hertzog shows the influence of Mike Stern and Wayne Krantz while establishing his own thing on this impressive trio outing with bassist Harvie S and drummer Victor Jones. They rock on “California Hills” and “Bonding,” then swing...
May 2009 • Undertones
Just a Little Taste
Al Hood
Denver-based trumpeter Al Hood weds his pure tone to Dave Hanson’s stellar arrangements on this classy orchestral offering, which is cast in the grand tradition of the classic Nelson Riddle-Frank Sinatra collaborations. A wonderfully expressive singer of...
May 2009 • Undertones
Yes-Live at the Rosendale Cafe
Erica Lindsay
Tenor saxophonist Erica Lindsay wails in the open, unfettered fashion of the late freebopper Dewey Redman at this gig in upstate New York. Accompanied by the kinetic, swinging pulse of drummer Bob Braye, the harmonically provocative pianist Francesca Tanksley...
May 2009 • Undertones
Riverview
Brian Patneaude
Albany-based tenor saxophonist-composer Brian Patneaude offers thoughtful, harmonically intriguing tunes executed by a fine quartet of organist Jesse Chandler, drummer Danny Whelchel and rising guitar star Mike Moreno. Flaunting a burly tone and a depth...
May 2009 • Undertones
Remember the Sound
George Robert Jazztet
Shortly after Michael Brecker’s passing on Jan. 13, 2007, Swiss alto saxophonist George Robert reached out to composer-arranger Jim McNeely to put together a program of original music that paid homage to the gentle sax giant. The seven inspired compositions...
May 2009 • Undertones
Can’t Not
Dan Roberts
Subversive tones, tricky heads and slamming grooves from a smart, post-MMW styled experimental jam band. Keyboardist-composer Dan Roberts tweaks his Rhodes with grungy effects on quirky/catchy originals like “One of Our Pastimes,” “Pets Without Parents”...
May 2009 • Undertones
Green Factor
Ada Rovatti
Underrated Italian tenor saxophonist Ada Rovatti presides over an intriguing Irish-funk-fusion-jazz amalgam. Backed by world-class players—guitarist Adam Rogers, electric bassist Janek Gwizdala, pianist George Colligan, drummer Obed Calvaire and violinist...
May 2009 • Undertones
Louder Than Your TV
Wally Schnalle
Drummer Wally Schnalle applies his facile jazz-rock chops to slamming funk-fusion fare like “Everybody’s Got One,” “Betty Jo B” and the title track. The dynamic, tempo-shifting “Traffic Update” is a nod to Weather Report while the quirky “Gimme a Break...
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ReportAbout Bill Milkowski
The author of a renowned biography of Jaco Pastorius and other books, Bill has been a regular JT contributor since 1991. He has done many cover stories and profiles for the magazine. In addition, he currently writes the UnderTones column in every issue, spotlighting up and coming artists and recordings.