Adam Larson is a young saxophone virtuoso brimming with justified confidence. He self-produced his first record while still in high school, graduated with two degrees … Read More “Adam Larson: With Love, From Chicago (Outside In)”
It’s become a treat to discover what new three-piece rhythm section guitarist Matt Stevens and saxophonist Walter Smith III have assembled for their latest quintet … Read More “In Common: In Common III (Whirlwind)”
Javon Jackson has a lengthy history as a leathery-toned and warm tenor-sax man, yet it’s his role as an educator that steered him toward the … Read More “Javon Jackson: The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni (Solid Jackson)”
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)”
Up-and-coming saxophonist/composer Alison Shearer has planted her jubilant stamp on a diverse set of thrilling New York groups. The influence of hip-hop has been a … Read More “Alison Shearer: View from Above (Self-released)”
There are, very roughly speaking, two soprano saxophone schools. The John Coltrane school contains a shriek, perfect for waking the dead. The Sidney Bechet school … Read More “Emile Parisien: Louise (ACT)”
“Summertime and the living is easy.” That’s how that old Gershwin song goes, right? Well, if you were alive and aware during the summer of … Read More “Kahil El’Zabar Quartet: A Time for Healing (Spiritmuse)”
The revolutionary ESP-Disk’ label was founded in 1963 on the motto “You never heard such sounds in your life.” Nearly six decades later the storied … Read More “ATTITUDE!: Pause & Effect (ESP-Disk’)”
Charlotte Greve is a polymath with an exceptional talent for blurring a diverse stylistic breadth. The German-born, New York-based composer, saxophonist, and vocalist’s compositions thread … Read More “Charlotte Greve: Sediments We Move (New Amsterdam/figureight)”
The title of Kazemde George’s debut as a leader tips the hat to Max Roach’s heady We Insist! Freedom Now Suite. But even though the … Read More “Kazemde George: I Insist (Greenleaf)”
