Though well known as a marvelous soloist in Latin- and mainstream-jazz contexts, Paquito D’Rivera also has an extensive background in classical and traditional Cuban music. … Read More “Paquito D’Rivera: Jazz Meets the Classics”
Organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart have worked as a first-rate trio for over two decades. Their band is that rare … Read More “Larry Goldings/Peter Bernstein/Bill Stewart: Ramshackle Serenade”
Mother’s Touch is the studio follow-up to this Orrin Evans-led ensemble’s topflight live recording from 2011. It’s as well arranged as its predecessor, versatile in … Read More “Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Band: Mother’s Touch”
Bassist-composer Jeff Denson has earned a stalwart reputation as a rhythm section standout during his tenure with Lee Konitz’s quartet as well as with the … Read More “Jeff Denson & Joshua White: I’ll Fly Away”
Guitarist Chris Taylor’s debut release as a leader won’t endear him to purists. Not only does it feature electronic instrumentation, but many pieces include synthesized … Read More “Chris Taylor: Nocturnal”
Pianist Hal Galper’s latest release incorporates influences and approaches from multiple camps, a reflection of the versatility he displayed during lengthy stints with Chet Baker … Read More “Hal Galper Trio: Trip the Light Fantastic”
Pianist Eric Reed has a striking, identifiable style that is expressive and swinging yet can also be lyrical or introspective. Whether part of Wynton Marsalis’ … Read More “Eric Reed: The Dancing Monk”
Before multi-instrumentalist Jason Robinson became one of the most respected soloists and bandleaders in jazz’s experimental wing, one of his professors was Anthony Davis, the … Read More “Jason Robinson and Anthony Davis: Cerulean Landscape”
As we’ve come to expect from trombonist/bandleader Wayne Wallace, the 11 selections on To Hear From There spotlight multiple rhythms, styles and eras within the … Read More “Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet: To Hear From There”
Thematic diversity is the most intriguing aspect of pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger Roberta Piket’s latest release, Sides, Colors. She alternates between trio and large-group … Read More “Roberta Piket: Sides, Colors”
Though the word “virtuoso” is almost as overused as “genius” when applied to musicians, Bill Easley’s abilities on multiple saxophones and clarinets, in styles extending … Read More “Bill Easley: Love Stories”
The first version of the marvelous drummer Louis Hayes’ Jazz Communicators was only together a short time (1967-68), but that unit included two legendary players … Read More “Louis Hayes Jazz Communicators: Lou’s Idea”
There hasn’t been any orchestrated campaign boosting the profile of trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, but in little more than a decade after his arrival in New … Read More “Jeremy Pelt: The Talented Mr. Pelt”
This Ray Vega/Thomas Marriott dual trumpet release emphasizes collective interaction, cohesive ensemble presentation and the spirit of teamwork embodied in the title, though there are … Read More “Ray Vega & Thomas Marriott: East-West Trumpet Summit”
Ron Wynn reviews recent album from legendary saxophonist
Recorded live last year at WKAR-TV’s Studio A at Michigan State before a very supportive crowd, the trio Organissmo’s new disc pays homage to the … Read More “Organissimo: Alive and Kicking”
Trumpeter Tom Harrell’s often beautiful, always rigorous solos and outstanding writing are the main strengths of his latest release on HighNote, Roman Nights. The album … Read More “Tom Harrell: Roman Nights”
Vibraphonist Joe Locke has done many intriguing and robust mainstream jazz dates during his career, discs with plenty of swinging, decisive solos, intense pieces and … Read More “Joe Locke: For the Love of You”
Pianist and bandleader Jason Moran’s exceptional trio the Bandwagon marks its first decade on Ten, which is the pianist’s first CD in more than four … Read More “Jason Moran and the Bandwagon: Ten”
Throughout six decades on the jazz scene, pianist Ahmad Jamal has proven it’s possible to be a precise, restrained soloist without sacrificing soul or artistry. … Read More “Ahmad Jamal: A Quiet Time”
Since the late ’50s, Mose Allison’s distinctive approach has combined the vocal passion of a blues musician with a bop pianist’s harmonic flair and a … Read More “Mose Allison: The Way Of The World”
Although he’s a spirited, skillful and imaginative soloist, Victor Wooten believes that “any good bassist’s first task is to help make your group sound better.” … Read More “Victor Wooten: Mr. Universe”
Rob Whitlock’s consistently well-played if sometimes musically unimposing Sket-chin’ explores a wealth of styles, from party-funk fare and vintage tunes to Caribbean-flavored pieces and soul-jazz … Read More “Rob Whitlock: Sketchin’”
Will Calhoun displays his adaptability and instrumental mastery in numerous roles on the musically diverse, thematically appealing Native Lands. Calhoun works in solo, duo and … Read More “Will Calhoun: Native Lands”
Chicago critic Larry Kart’s new book combines history, biography, analysis and musical examination while assessing figures from every period of jazz history. Kart frequently does … Read More “Jazz in Search of Itself by Larry Kart”
Bassist Jimmy Haslip’s the link between these two supergroups, both of which, at their best, remind listeners of jazz-rock’s promising early years, when bands made … Read More “Terri Lyne Carrington/Adam Rogers/Jimmy Haslip/Greg Osby: Structure”
Great albums like Illuminations used to be the benchmark of major labels, but now only the indies and/or foreign companies respect jazz enough to give … Read More “McCoy Tyner: Illuminations”
There aren’t many great songs Nancy Wilson hasn’t recorded in her remarkable five-decade-plus career, but the 12 numbers on her newest project, R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, … Read More “Nancy Wilson: R.S.V.P.”
Baltimore pianist Lafayette Gilchrist summarizes his musical approach this way: “I got this from David [Murray] and he got it from Ornette [Coleman]: ‘Jazz is … Read More “Lafayette Gilchrist”
This excellent trio date from the early ’90s sounds just as vibrant and enticing some 13 years later. Drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts initially planned to … Read More “Jeff “Tain” Watts: Megawatts”
