Michael Ullman

Jazz Album Review: Julian Lage’s “Speak to Me” — Mostly Magical

March 18, 2024
Posted in , ,

Guitarist Julian Lage wants his music to have a certain paradoxical lightness: to be “reckless and durable” at the same time.

Jazz Album Review: Tenor Saxophonist George Coleman Is in Command on One for All’s “Big George”

March 15, 2024
Posted in , , ,

“Big George” is polished, tonally elegant, and beautifully recorded

Jazz Album Review: The Lynne Arriale Trio’s “Being Human” — An Expected Joy

March 11, 2024
Posted in , , ,

 The dynamics of this splendid trio album, “a response to the division and turmoil in our world,” are gracefully balanced.

Jazz Album Review: The Complete Massey Hall Recordings — The Legendary Concert Never Sounded So Good

January 22, 2024
Posted in , , ,

I heartily recommend this Craft Recording, even if (perhaps especially if) you have owned the LP version from (almost) a half century ago.

Jazz Album Review: The Baritone Sax of Josh Sinton — Exploring the Possibilities

January 12, 2024
Posted in , ,

These pieces are an intellectual challenge to the listener as well as a sensual pleasure. They should send saxophonists back to the practice room.

Jazz Album Review: Rich Halley’s “Fire Within” — Free, But Still Together

January 6, 2024
Posted in , , ,

This doesn’t sound like any other quartet I know.

Jazz Album Reviews: Craft LP Reissues — Prime Examples of the Golden Age of Jazz Recording

November 21, 2023
Posted in , , ,

These jazz albums are splendid representations of the first full decade of LPs and of stereo recording as well.

Jazz Album Review: “Seven Skies Orchestra” — Ramping Up the Musical Possibilities

November 13, 2023
Posted in , , ,

Tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman’s work is customarily full of subtle surprises, akimbo with shifts and side-trips. This new recording, with a sextet, is no exception.

Jazz Album Review: Hays Street Hart’s “Bridges” — A Beautifully Recorded Group Effort

November 8, 2023
Posted in , ,

This is a trio of superb songsters, whose individual lyricisms support each other

Jazz Album Review: “Pastor’s Paradox” — Paying Homage to Martin Luther King, Musically

October 31, 2023
Posted in , , ,

The intent of this fine album to dramatize the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King: no justice, no peace.

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

Categories

Archives