Drum Beat
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Nothing If Not Something
Origin Records
On this adventurous, open-ended trio outing, the Seattle-based drummer and founder of Origin Records forges an extraordinary, freewheeling chemistry with kindred spirits Jeff Johnson on bass and Rick Mandyck on alto sax. A ubiquitous figure on the Northwest...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Chamber Works
Favored Nations
A formidable orchestral work by the one-time Frank Zappa sideman who put his stamp on Zappa’s notoriously challenging drum feature “The Black Page,” this collaboration with Holland’s 60-piece Metropole Orkest shows the influence of Bozzio’s former mentor...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Renewal of the Spirit
Mambo Maniacs
A reliably swinging sideman whose bandstand experience includes stints with Charles Earland, Freddie Hubbard, Grover Washington Jr. and Shirley Scott, Ector covers a variety of drumming styles on his second outing as a leader. With a dynamic frontline of...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Absolute Quintet
Zoho
Hailing from Cuba, thirtysomething Prieto reflects a myriad of contemporary and classical influences along with strong clave roots on his outstanding second CD. The funky opener, “The Coolest,” incorporates touches of rock in the wah-wah inflected keyboard...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Solo Live Tonic 2002
Amulet Records
The drummer for Medeski, Martin and Wood brings his painterly instincts and polyrhythmic sensibilities to bear on Solo Live Tonic 2002. In the tradition of solo drum masters like Max Roach, Milford Graves and Andrew Cyrille before him, Martin juggles time...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Songs I Like to Play
For the Record
This Baltimore native showcases a wide range of drumming styles on this collection of tunes from the Great American Jazz Songbook. Alongside pianist Andrew Adair and bassist Gavin Fallow, Robinson flaunts some slick brushwork on a jaunty rendition of “Close...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
The Sinnett Hearings
J-Nett
The Virginia-based drummer and bandleader established his credentials long ago as a first-rate, swinging player and prolific composer. On his eighth outing as a leader, Sinnett is joined by first-rate improvisers and longtime associates John D’earth on trumpet...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Transformation
Capri Records
This young Denver native played with startling maturity while showcasing his advanced writing skills on his surprising debut, 2004’s Dreams Untold, recorded when he was just 17 years old. For his sophomore outing, the drummer-composer-bandleader continues...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
A Coat of Many Colors
Summerfold Records
Similar in some respects to Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, former King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford has assembled his own all-star international percussion group to explore the interconnectedness of world rhythms. Bruford mans a full drum set and is joined by...
July/August 2006 By Bill Milkowski
Codes
Blue Note Records
Cuban drummer Ignacio Berroa has played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Mario Bauza, Tito Puente and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, but he’s never recorded as a leader himself. On his long-overdue debut, the 52-year-old Berroa shows...
