Angela Verbrugge seems to understand the importance of a first impression, as her debut album offers a wide-angle look at her manifold talents without feeling … Read More “Angela Verbrugge: The Night We Couldn’t Say Goodnight (Gut String)”
Considering his iconic status as Broadway’s towering genius, Stephen Sondheim hasn’t made much of an impression on the jazz canon. I can’t remember the last … Read More “Cyrille Aimée: Move On: A Sondheim Adventure (Mack Avenue)”
The quandary facing 21st-century jazz singers is where to find fresh material. Actress and singer Capathia Jenkins isn’t a jazz vocalist, but she’s provided an … Read More “Capathia Jenkins & Louis Rosen: Phenomenal Woman: The Maya Angelou Songs (Di-Tone)”
Third-stream guru Ran Blake, who, as pianist and composer, built upon his devotion to Ellington and Monk to shape a uniquely dynamic aesthetic, has frequently … Read More “Ran Blake/Christine Correa: Streaming (Red Piano)”
Camille Thurman has to share the credit for her wonderful sophomore effort for the Chesky label not only with her accompanists but with her producer, … Read More “Camille Thurman: Waiting for the Sunrise (Chesky)”
Ask anyone to name the greatest entertainer of the 20th century and responses will likely range from Sinatra and Garland to Elvis and Aretha. Chances … Read More “Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star—The War Years 1940-1946 by Gary Giddins (Little, Brown)”
Released just after her 70th birthday, Math Camp continues the reign of vocalist and lyricist Lorraine Feather as one of the sharpest wordsmiths in jazz. … Read More “Lorraine Feather: Math Camp (Relarion)”
Five years ago, Mark Winkler teamed with Manhattan Transfer’s Cheryl Bentyne to shape West Coast Cool, a terrific salute to the chill jazz vibe that … Read More “Mark Winkler & Cheryl Bentyne: Eastern Standard Time (Café Pacific)”
There is a tremendous less-is-more majesty to vocalist and pianist Kandace Springs’ sophomore release, its 13 tracks rarely featuring more than four players, yet each … Read More “Kandace Springs: Indigo (Blue Note)”
