Playing against expectations, given that his grandfather was the one and only Django Reinhardt, the 26-year-old guitarist David Reinhardt pursues a modern direction more informed … Read More “David Reinhardt Trio: Colombe”
Following the stirring modal opener, Wilner’s original title track which carries a distinct McCoy Tyner influence, the pianist settles into a program of charming old-school … Read More “Spike Wilner: Le Tendresse”
What to make of the enigmatic Mr. Holdsworth? Is he a jazz guitarist? Is it fusion? Suffice it to say, no other guitarist on the … Read More “Allan Holdsworth: Hard Hat Area”
On this irreverent but undeniably clever collection of mashup arrangements, the L.A.-based quintet brings its fearless alt-jazz sensibility to a commingling of Sonny Rollins’ “Oleo” … Read More “Jazz Punks: Smashups”
In a post-Joey DeFrancesco/Larry Goldings world, Jared Gold is on the short list of organ players to call to instantly elevate any session. On his … Read More “Jared Gold: Golden Child”
Harmonica ace and Toots Thielemans disciple Will Galison discloses another side of his musicality on this upbeat album showcasing his superior songwriting talents. His clever … Read More “Will Galison: Line Open”
Absorbing and avoiding influence
Hong Kong native and University of North Texas grad Teriver Cheung reveals a gentle touch and a mature, composerly approach on his first recording as … Read More “Teriver Cheung: My Nocturne”
There is something about the tone, the delicate but assured touch, the unique vibrato and soaring filigrees of Ben Powell’s violin playing that immediately conjure … Read More “Ben Powell: New Street”
Matthew Shipp guests on this scary soundtrack to the monster movie in the deepest part of your id. Shipp’s droning The Phantom of the Opera-styled … Read More “Black Music Disaster : Black Music Disaster”
Following clever takes on contemporary pop tunes (2001’s Stand), Thelonious Monk (2009’s Plays for Monk) and Stevie Wonder (2011’s Wonderful! by the Deep Blue Organ … Read More “Bobby Broom: Upper West Side Story”
Australian drummer Andrew Swift has been a valuable sideman on the NYC scene over the past decade, supporting veterans like pianist George Cables and trombonist … Read More “Andrew Swift: Swift Kick”
Guitarist-composer Gabriel Vicéns, a leading light of Puerto Rico’s jazz scene, flaunts a modernist sensibility on his impressive debut as a leader. His dark, warm-toned … Read More “Gabriel Vicéns: Point in Time”
Drummer Michael Benedict delighted hard-bop fans last year with his crack quintet’s self-titled debut. They’re back with baritone sax powerhouse Gary Smulyan augmenting the lineup, … Read More “Michael Benedict & Bopitude: Five and One”
The adventurous Tuscan-born bassist Andrea Veneziani has found the perfect piano partner in Kenny Werner, whose sensitive, exploratory tack fits well with the leader’s ideas … Read More “Andrea Veneziani Trio: Oltreoceano”
Determined not to follow the same ol’ bop, blues and ballads formula of most organ-group sessions, Hammond player Brian Charette takes a different route on … Read More “Brian Charette: Music for Organ Sextette”
Drummer Daniel Freedman, a New York native and member of the band Third World Love, steps out with his second album as a leader, blending … Read More “Daniel Freedman: Bamako By Bus”
These new releases offer two sides of the abundantly gifted, extremely confident tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, who is fast becoming a force to be reckoned … Read More “Wayne Escoffery: The Only Son of One”
Synth wiz Jason Miles helped usher Miles Davis into contemporary jazz during the ’80s with his cutting-edge synth programming on Tutu, Music From Siesta and … Read More “Global Noize: A Prayer for the Planet”
Baritone sax and bass clarinet ace Brian Landrus takes a refreshing, modernist approach to the jazz quintet on his sixth album as a leader. Accompanied … Read More “The Landrus Kaleidoscope: Capsule”
A current member of Freddy Cole’s quartet and former sideman to Michael Bublé, the accomplished guitarist-composer-arranger Randy Napoleon demonstrates clear, concise fingerstyle technique on this … Read More “Randy Napoleon: The Jukebox Crowd”
Those who remember Ronnie Cuber’s blistering lines in the George Benson Quartet of the ’60s will be glad to know that the baritone sax ace … Read More “Ronnie Cuber: Boplicity”
Australian guitarist JamesMuller makes a potentstatement on his fourth release as a leader, originally issued in 2006 and recently re-pressed. Recorded in New York with … Read More “James Muller: Kaboom”
An uncompromising fusion band remakes itself on first album since 2000
This singular ensemble from San Francisco is led by bassist Steve Horowitz and features the writing of tenor saxophonist Dan Plonsey. The myriad influences heard … Read More “Steve Horowitz: New Monsters”
The German quartet led by saxophonist-composer Sebastian Gille strikes an interactive, conversational accord on this stirring, ECM-ish release. A forceful and daring player-you can hear … Read More “Sebastian Gille: Anthem”
From the knotty opening lines of “A Horse Is Still a Horse,” it’s obvious that German guitarist Nils Weinhold is a product of the angular, … Read More “Nils Weinhold: Shapes”
David Berkman, an inventive pianist and accomplished composer and bandleader, is in a reflective, romantic mood on this solo outing. He turns in lovely, faithful … Read More “David Berkman: Self-Portrait”
Pianist Michael Cain gained recognition through the ’90s for his association with Jack DeJohnette. On his own, he has produced a string of thoughtful, provocative … Read More “Michael Cain: Solo”
Tenor saxophonist-composer Dan Wilensky demonstrates bold tones and a swaggering intensity on his fourth outing as a leader. On the driving title track he engages … Read More “Dan Wilensky: Back in the Mix”
