Michael Ullman
John Beasley and his big band doesn’t tame Monk or make him uncharacteristically pretty.
Hudson serves up varied, fresh, and exciting free jazz that imaginatively draws on rock, funky blues, and folk music.
Pianist Ahmad Jamal rose to fame by doing something completely different.
Of course, neither saxophonist sounds precisely like Coltrane: there would be no point in trying.
This collection demonstrates that the music of Ornette Coleman is in tune with something elemental and essential in the human spirit.
Several of these discs, including the sublime Jim Hall-Red Mitchell collaboration, are unexpected pleasures.
Contagious enjoyment is very much the goal of Ken Field’s Revolutionary Snake Ensemble. Mission accomplished.
Dave Liebman’s band, like its adventurous leader, is more than willing to take a deep dive.
Collectors and serious blues fans will want to own this invaluable set.
Over a dozen short notices of recent jazz recordings that I find musically stimulating.
Arts Commentary: The Orchestra Gap — Europe vs. the US