It’s become relatively common for jazz artists to incorporate elements of hip-hop into their work, but the fourth studio outing by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire is … Read More “Ambrose Akinmusire: Origami Harvest (Blue Note)”
Every so often the current powers that be at Blue Note gather several marquee artists, not all of them necessarily on the label’s roster, put … Read More “Blue Note All-Stars: Our Point of View (Blue Note)”
Like many live jazz albums, A Rift in Decorum amplifies Ambrose Akinmusire’s best qualities (his beautiful, penetrating trumpet sound and postbop melodies) as well as … Read More “Ambrose Akinmusire: A Rift in Decorum: Live at the Village Vanguard (Blue Note)”
Supergroup celebrates Blue Note Records’ 75th anniversary
Tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III assembles a stellar cast of collaborators here, all of whom he has played with in various constellations: Taylor Eigsti (piano), … Read More “Walter Smith III: Still Casual”
Self-seriousness lurks in the piano and trumpet delicacies that begin the imagined savior is far easier to paint; all that’s missing is ECM’s famous five-second … Read More “Ambrose Akinmusire: the imagined savior is far easier to paint”
