Michael Ullman
The recording proves to be both an excellent example of Andrew Hill’s unusual creative methods, particularly the wonderful results he managed to get with ensembles.
“Ornithology: The Best of Bird” might better be described as the best of Bird on Savoy.
It’s the variety of sounds in Eva Cassidy’s repertoire, reinforced by her ability to use them with the utmost tact and control, that impresses this listener.
Made up of a Californian, a Palestinian, and a native of Cyprus, Ize Trio is about probing into the meaning of cultural differences as well as learning each other’s personal characteristics.
This new album from Norma Winstone and Kit Downes is a marvel.
The music on David Murray’s” “Francesca” is both antic and intense; it’s played by a responsive and inventive quartet who sound like they are having considerable fun entertaining themselves.
What seems remarkable here is the way that trumpeter Tomasz Stanko enters into unplanned conversational interchanges, including flickers of wit, with the other members of the quartet.
Witty, varied, played warmly and arranged dexterously, avoiding the glum, the explorations on “A Second Life” should please just about every jazz fan.
The spirited restraint of the pianist’s playing — its omnipresent precision and clarity — sounds contemporary and fresh.
I admire Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s wit and daring, her singularly effective guitar playing, and the subtlety of her singing.
Classical Music Commentary: Boston’s Lost Opportunity — How the BSO Board Chose Charles Munch over Leonard Bernstein