These records are filled with music from some of the most intriguing and, indeed, sought after, jazz musicians playing today.
Jazz CD Review: Ralph Peterson and the Messenger Legacy — Hard Bop, Revived
Once again, drummer Ralph Peterson pays fine homage to Art Blakey’s tradition of joyous, hard-edged bashing jazz.
Jazz CD Review: Fred Hersch with the WDR Big Band — A Composer’s Flair
Vince Mendoza’s colorful arrangements give us a welcome new way to appreciate Fred Hersch’s impressive creativity — his amply satisfying accomplishments as a composer.
Jazz CD Review: Jason Palmer’s “Rhyme and Reason” — Intricate Artistry
Trumpeter Jason Palmer’s mastery is of the unimposing kind, which this piano-less quartet seamlessly reflects.
Jazz CD Review: Wadada Leo Smith’s “Rosa Parks: Pure Love” — Making History Present
Rosa Parks: Pure Love is a serious, substantial, and long work, alternately harsh and calming, one that I am sure should be seen as well as heard.
Jazz Record Review: Trumpeter Jason Palmer Aptly Titled Album — “Fair Weather”
Trumpeter Jason Palmer is a master of rhythmic displacement.
Jazz CD Review: The Gil Evans Orchestra — Hidden Treasures, Vol #1
Quite properly, Miles Evans evokes rather than mimics his dad’s arrangements on this excellent disc.
Jazz CD Review: “Long Ago and Far Away” — Together Again
This set is surely one of the finds of the year.
Jazz CD Review: Welcome Christian McBride’s “New Jawn”
One of the distinguishing characteristics of this set is the smart, energetic, and ever-changing, relationship between bass and drums.
Jazz CD Review: Daniel Carter’s “Telepatia Liquida” — Mission Accomplished
Daniel Carter’s disc revolves, splendidly, around a process of self-discovery.