Combine the talents of one of the bluegrass/jazz movement’s leading figures with arguably Europe’s finest guitarist and you get an all around stellar acoustic workout … Read More “Martin Taylor/David Grisman: I’m Beginning to See the Light”
The son of jazz guitar great Bucky Pizzarelli is a mean guitarist himself, in addition to being a talented vocalist and song stylist. ?”With the … Read More “John Pizzarelli: Meets the Beatles”
Here one of the main guitarists responsible for putting fusion on the map way back when (in the process earning an early reputation as a … Read More “Larry Coryell: Monk, Trane, Miles & Me”
Henry Mancini’s longtime guitarist, Campbell has in recent years issued a series of solo albums that show him to be a swinging, fluid player with … Read More “Royce Campbell: Pitapat”
The fourth violinist to grace the STNY’s roster since the group’s inception in 1977, Diane Monroe contributes stunning musicianship and a bright, creative spark, which … Read More “String Trio of New York: Faze Phour: A Twenty Year Retrospective”
In contrast to the seemingly typical Boston-based Berklee-produced guitarist with distinct bebop leanings, Kirby gravitates toward cultivating his own music, which at times utilizes alternative … Read More “Steven Kirby: Point of Balance”
Further establishing himself as one of jazz’s preeminent vibraphonists, Joe Locke focuses on his own compositions and surrounds himself with a cadre of veterans on … Read More “Joe Locke: Slander”
Continuing on his recently forged solo path apart from long-time collaborator Scott Henderson, fretless bass master Willis surrounds himself with the likes of keyboardist Scott … Read More “Gary Willis: Bent”
Recorded in 1994 just three years before Grappelli’s death (which occurred only weeks before his 90th birthday), this album features the results of one of … Read More “Stephane Grappelli: Live”
This set-which reflects Coryell’s diverse interests, ranging from jazz to pop to classical-is divided between sensitive, articulate solos, and duets with Vic Juris (who inexplicably … Read More “Larry Coryell: Private Concert”
Recorded at the Manhattan Center in 1989, this material for the most part features the remarkable guitarist in an ensemble context, rather than a solo … Read More “Stanley Jordan: Live in New York”
With Art Tatum’s legendary solo piano sessions in mind, producer Eric Miller put a nylon-string acoustic in the hands of Joe Pass and let the … Read More “Joe Pass: Unforgettable”
A marriage of jazz, world music, and high technology, this ambitious label debut freely draws upon Di Meola’s vast reservoir of interests, talents, and experiences. … Read More “Al Di Meola: The Infinite Desire”
Assembled from Reinhardt’s immense discography, this three-disc set features most of his recorded collaborations with American musicians. Presented in chronological order and spanning from 1935 … Read More “Django Reinhardt: Django and His American Friends”
This disc features one of Canada’s premier bassists leading a trio of talented newcomers-guitarist Reg Schwager and drummer Michel Lambert. Vibes veteran Gary Burton guests … Read More “Dave Young Trio: Inner Urge”
This live 2-CD set is the fruit of a 1997 Zawinul Syndicate world tour. Powered by Abidjanian drummer Paco Sery and either long-time Zawinul associate … Read More “Joe Zawinul: World Tour”
Continuing in the same direction as his 1996 GRP debut, That’s Right, Benson again strikes a balance between pop grooves, accessible vocal numbers, and his … Read More “George Benson: Standing Together”
After a lot of ballyhoo a few years ago, a somewhat disappointing major label debut, and the intervening experiences of playing with Diana Krall and … Read More “Russell Malone: Georgia Peach”
Frisell has a mysterious take on the guitar, one that can suggest and function in just about any style there is, conjure a wide range … Read More “Bill Frisell: Gone, Just Like A Train”
Influenced by Kenny Burrell, and with the experience of playing with numerous veterans (the likes of Etta James and Houston Person, who produced the project) … Read More “Randy Johnston: Somewhere In The Night”
Eminently listenable but bubbling with cool moods and grooves, this acoustic project finds Evans soaring on soprano and tenor, supported by bassist James Genus, drummer … Read More “Bill Evans: Starfish & The Moon”
What if Django Reinhardt had been born a few decades later (and maybe lived a little longer) and immersed himself in new music with an … Read More “String Trio of New York with Anthony Davis: Ellington, Monk, Mingus, Davis”
True enough in one sense, what with the instrument’s close connection to bebop, Desmond’s self-characterization as “the world’s slowest alto player” reflected another, less obvious … Read More “Paul Desmond: The Complete Paul Desmond RCA Victor Recordings Featuring Jim Hall”
The latest in Belden’s series that has saluted figures as diverse as Sting and Puccini, Tapestry pays tribute to the Carol King album of the … Read More “Bob Belden: Tapestry”
Mann has covered a lot of musical ground over the years-from straightahead to jazz-rock to disco to Latin. These releases reflect two elements he has … Read More “Herbie Mann: Peace Pieces — The Music of Bill Evans”
Consummate musicians both technically and conceptually, Bley and Peacock are experts at establishing a space that they can function within. Call it mindset or whatever … Read More “Paul Bley/Gary Peacock: Mindset”
McLaughlin’s latest retains two-thirds of The Promise’s rhythm section-pianist Jim Beard and drummer Dennis Chambers-but adds tenor saxophonist Gary Thomas, electric bassist Matthew Garrison (the … Read More “John McLaughlin: The Heart of Things”
Adventurous, eclectic and original-both in the singular way he improvises but also the scope of his musical activities-Hall is a guitarist who challenges himself at … Read More “Jim Hall: Panorama Live at the Village Vanguard”
While Khan’s approach-one that gives concept and feel as much weight as technique-is perhaps the main reason why he’s chronically underrated, it usually makes for … Read More “Steve Khan: Got My Mental”
Combine the powers of two of the funkiest figures in jazz, and you have a keyboard summit that will rock your abode to its foundation. … Read More “Gene Harris/Jack McDuff: Down Home Blues”