A former editor of JazzTimes, Mike Joyce has written extensively on jazz, blues, country, and pop music for The Washington Post, Maryland and Washington, D.C. public television stations, and other outlets.
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Surrounded by five budding ballerinas, guitarist Russell Malone is pictured on the cover of his latest recording at a performing arts academy in New Jersey. … Read More “Russell Malone: Time for the Dancers (HighNote)”
When it comes time to record, Cyrus Chestnut has never been inclined to stay in his lane. The widely acclaimed jazz pianist, who once devoted … Read More “Cyrus Chestnut: There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit (HighNote)”
Given his exemplary technique and imposing stylistic reach, traits previously displayed on an impressive series of studio sessions, it’s not surprising that trumpeter Sean Jones … Read More “Sean Jones: Live From Jazz at the Bistro (Mack Avenue)”
Like Beautiful Life, its Grammy-nominated companion album of 2014, Flowers was born of deep, unimaginable grief, following the death of saxophonist Jimmy Greene’s 6-year-old daughter, … Read More “Jimmy Greene: Flowers: Beautiful Life—Volume 2 (Mack Avenue)”
Guitarist Nate Najar never met the late jazz legend Charlie Byrd, but there’s no mistaking their strong spiritual connection. It’s almost palpable on Blues for … Read More “Nate Najar: This Is Nate Najar (Candid)”
Even if Prototype, the title of Jeff Lorber Fusion’s latest release, is meant to be emblematic of contemporary jazz to come, don’t expect a series … Read More “Jeff Lorber Fusion: Prototype (Shanachie)”
A little motif can do and become anything in the hands of Cuban keyboardist Omar Sosa, especially when he’s abetted by Senegalese kora player Seckou … Read More “Omar Sosa & Seckou Keith: Transparent Water (Otá)”
For all its trumpet flourishes and roiling percussion, its mounting tensions and spirited interplay, Make Noise! isn’t always a brashly exuberant affair. In fact, quite … Read More “Jeremy Pelt: Make Noise! (HighNote)”
No need to search long and hard here for a telling stylistic connection. When guitarist Corey Christiansen punctuates Factory Girl with a thoroughly modern and … Read More “Corey Christiansen: Factory Girl (Origin)”
To find three Berklee alumni recording together isn’t unusual, but not when the gathering constitutes a cross-generational family affair. Such is the case here, as … Read More “Mark Whitfield: Grace (Marksman)”
After Groovin’ has retreated from its inevitable rise to the top of the smooth-jazz charts, it’s likely to enjoy a long afterlife, as bright reprises … Read More “Peter White: Groovin’ (Heads Up)”
Even pianist George Cables’ most devoted followers are apt to be surprised by this collection of original compositions-not so much by the quality of the … Read More “George Cables: The George Cables Songbook”
Following this West Coast ensemble’s two widely acclaimed recordings, Shot Through With Beauty and Live Beauty, Basement Blues may seem a departure, in tone and … Read More “John Stowell/Michael Zilber Quartet: Basement Blues”
New Orleans’ historic Saenger Theatre, May 3, 2014, Jazz Fest season: Unquestionably the right place, right time for a Crescent City all-star bash honoring Mac … Read More “Various Artists: The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: Celebrating Mac and His Music”
Nearly a quarter century has passed since Cuban pianist Omar Sosa emigrated to the States, launching a brilliant, internationally acclaimed recording career that shows not … Read More “Omar Sosa & Paolo Fresu: Eros”
Thelonious Monk’s music reimagined and contemporized in an orchestral setting? If such a thing fills you with more dread than anticipation, rest assured: John Beasley, … Read More “John Beasley: Presents MONK’estra, Vol. 1”
On the face of it, Rez Abbasi’s new CD appears to be the product of an ordered mind and an inquisitive nature-an effort, as the … Read More “Rez Abbasi & Junction: Behind the Vibration”
If Short Stories isn’t ultimately regarded as 33-year-old trumpeter Dominick Farinacci’s breakthrough release, it won’t be for lack of imagination or effort. Produced by Grammy-winner … Read More “Dominick Farinacci: Short Stories”
Thoroughly worthy of its Johnny Hodges/Duke Ellington pedigree, in buoyantly swinging ways, “The Jeep Is Jumpin’” kicks off guitarist Andy Brown’s third recording for Delmark. … Read More “Andy Brown Quartet: Direct Call”
As its subtitle suggests, saxophonist-composer JD Allen’s Americana has a distinctly personal slant. Nevertheless, this collection of trio performances, mostly inspired by Allen’s writing, is … Read More “JD Allen: Americana: Musings on Jazz and Blues”
Chordal jabs, light-fingered trills, cascading runs, robust turnarounds-no question: Pianist Cyrus Chestnut is in delightfully animated form when this trio session opens with the Joe … Read More “Cyrus Chestnut: Natural Essence”
How’s this for a back story: After suffering a career-halting spine injury, bassist Brian Bromberg has released Full Circle, his first CD in four years … Read More “Brian Bromberg: Full Circle”
Had it been released a few months ago, this CD would have made a perfect holiday gift for the Frisell fan who can’t get enough … Read More “Bill Frisell: When You Wish Upon a Star”
Not for nothing is the opener on this all-star acoustic summit titled “Stretch.” Composed by guitarist Biréli Lagrène, it’s an exceedingly limber foray into swing … Read More “Stanley Clarke/Bireli Lagrene/Jean-Luc Ponty: D-Stringz”
After hearing Blessings, soul-jazz fans of a certain age will likely find themselves counting their own. Then again, even the uninitiated may be similarly inclined. … Read More “Antonio Hart: Blessings”
Guitar orchestras are not all that uncommon around the world, but Adam Rudolph’s ensemble is decidedly unlike any other. For one thing, the 11 musicians … Read More “Adam Rudolph Go: Organic Guitar Orchestra: Turning Towards the Light”
Critics have heaped lavish praise on guitarist Raoul Björkenheim’s curious brand of improvised jazz, and understandably so, even if commonly drawn parallels (Ayler, Coleman, Coltrane, … Read More “Raoul Björkenheim ECsTaSy: Out of the Blue”
Soulful, songful and so clearly a recording made by musicians with common roots and an uncommon level of rapport, The Real Thing won’t disappoint fans … Read More “Eric Alexander: The Real Thing”
Some jazz pairings seem all but inevitable until they prove stubbornly elusive. So it’s great to see two of Philly’s best, pianist Orrin Evans and … Read More “Orrin Evans: The Evolution of Oneself”
Where precisely does swing give way to zing on this collection of mostly guitar duets? Look no further than those performances that demand virtuosic technique … Read More “Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo: Swing Zing!”
