Michael Ullman

Classical CD Review: The Schneider Quartet — Heavenly Haydn

January 14, 2015
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Despite the monaural sound, these gloriously performed string quartets remain my favorite Haydn recordings.

Book Review: “Outside Music, Inside Voices” — Illuminating Conversations about Creating Jazz

December 2, 2014
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Jazz fans with open ears should rush to this book: so should anyone interested in the creative process, its rewards as well as its challenges.

Fuse CD Review: Charles Lloyd’s Indelible “Manhattan Stories”

November 15, 2014
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Despite their somewhat muffled sound, both discs are valuable documents, not least because we hear the under-recorded Gabor Szabo in duet with Charles Lloyd.

Fuse Concert Review: Celebrating the Life and Music of Pianist/Composer Jan Jarczyk

November 11, 2014
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A vigorous and admiring tribute to Jan Jarczyk, a man his daughter called “a whirlwind of creativity.”

Jazz Album Reviews: Two Remarkable Duets — Charlie Haden/Jim Hall, Kenny Barron/Dave Holland

November 3, 2014
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Jim Hall sounds at his best on these newly issued duets. So does Charlie Haden, whose plangent sound has rarely, if ever, been captured so well.

Jazz Review: British Saxophonist Evan Parker Brings his Brand of Innovation to Boston

September 19, 2014
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Free and fluid as it was, the set made memorable sense to the packed crowd at the Lily Pad.

Album Review: Wadada Leo Smith’s “The Great Lakes Suites” — A Miraculous Freedom

September 16, 2014
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Wadada Leo Smith’s latest album features a series of miraculous performances that give a new meaning to freedom: the sometimes lengthy and airily open improvisations take us on journeys but never seem to wander.

Fuse Jazz CD Review: “Singular Curves” — An Album of Subtle Insinuations

August 14, 2014
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With their expert handling of powerfully understated compositions, this trio’s performances insinuate themselves into your mind and age there like fine wine.

Jazz CD Review: Pianist Fred Hersch’s “Floating” – A Constant Delight

July 25, 2014
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Pianist Fred Hersch’s ballad playing is one of the special treats in contemporary jazz.

Fuse CD Note: Pianist Gilbert Kalish — As Usual, Distinguished and Appealing Performances

July 19, 2014
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Gilbert Kalish’s recital is as distinguished and appealing as one would expect.

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