Michael Weiss: Persistence (Cellar Live)
It’s entirely appropriate that one of Michael Weiss’ signature compositions is titled “Apres Vous,” as the pianist has mostly made a name for himself as … Read More “Michael Weiss: Persistence (Cellar Live)”
Reviews
Tara Minton and Ed Babar: Two for the Road (Jazzizit)
Is there any instrument that comes more freighted with specific sonic associations than the harp? A handful of notes summons a celestial tableau, complete with … Read More “Tara Minton and Ed Babar: Two for the Road (Jazzizit)”
Tyler Mitchell: Dancing Shadows (Mahakala)
Bassist Tyler Mitchell served a brief tenure in the Sun Ra Arkestra in the mid-’80s, appearing on the albums Reflections in Blue and After Hours … Read More “Tyler Mitchell: Dancing Shadows (Mahakala)”
Devin Hoff: Voices from the Empty Moor (Songs of Anne Briggs) (Kill Rock Stars)
Devin Hoff isn’t tethered to a specific genre; his flair for never staying close to any vest is why he’s such a singular force on … Read More “Devin Hoff: Voices from the Empty Moor (Songs of Anne Briggs) (Kill Rock Stars)”
David Friesen: Day of Rest (Origin)
Bassist David Friesen often goes to his secondary instrument—the piano—to add new dimensions in color and texture to his recordings. But completely putting aside his … Read More “David Friesen: Day of Rest (Origin)”
Ben Allison: Moments Inside (Sonic Camera)
On a casual listen, bassist Ben Allison’s Moments Inside doesn’t differ temperamentally from its predecessor, 2018’s Quiet Revolution; both offer serene music with intricate complexity just … Read More “Ben Allison: Moments Inside (Sonic Camera)”
Martin Wind Quartet: My Astorian Queen (Laika)
Martin Wind’s life was changed irrevocably upon his arrival in New York. While testing the waters and surveying the scene during a stateside visit in … Read More “Martin Wind Quartet: My Astorian Queen (Laika)”
Esperanza Spalding: Songwrights Apothecary Lab (Concord Jazz)
Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe was the title of a 1969 Albert Ayler recording, and more than 50 years later, bassist and vocalist … Read More “Esperanza Spalding: Songwrights Apothecary Lab (Concord Jazz)”
Marc Johnson: Overpass (ECM)
Although solo bass recordings are hardly common, the list is longer than you might think: Players as prestigious as Ron Carter, Miroslav Vitous, and William … Read More “Marc Johnson: Overpass (ECM)”
Kevin Hays/Ben Street/Billy Hart: All Things Are (Smoke Sessions)
You can tell the heat of the trio by the laughter boiling over. Not in all cases, admittedly, but for this session, the exhortations and … Read More “Kevin Hays/Ben Street/Billy Hart: All Things Are (Smoke Sessions)”