Michael Ullman
The two new Arbors discs are intended to bring Lerner and Loewe back into the jazz mainstream. We will see what happens. But what wonderful music these two groups have produced!
One of the strengths of Laszlo Gardony’s playing is his confident insistence on what he is doing, his impressive self-assurance.
For many listeners, Zigsaw will serve as a welcome introduction, not only to a virtuoso jazz ensemble led by an innovative leader, but to the music of composer Steve Lampert.
Blue World is valuable for its pellucid recording of takes of tunes Coltrane’s fans already love. They will have to have it.
A sense of promise remains a hallmark of the Montreal Jazz Festival — always end by looking forward.
The Montreal Jazz Festival is overwhelming in a way, but somehow genial, and finally inspiring.
Satoko Fujii and Ramon Lopez are clear-eyed adventurers; this is free jazz that shimmers with inquisitive transparency.
These records are filled with music from some of the most intriguing and, indeed, sought after, jazz musicians playing today.
Once again, drummer Ralph Peterson pays fine homage to Art Blakey’s tradition of joyous, hard-edged bashing jazz.
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.
Classical Music Commentary: Boston’s Lost Opportunity — How the BSO Board Chose Charles Munch over Leonard Bernstein