Jazz

Jazz Album Review: “Sun Ra: At the Showcase Live in Chicago, 1976 – 1977” — Time to Blast Off

April 20, 2024
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“Sun Ra: At the Showcase Live in Chicago, 1976 – 1977” offers a rare opportunity for us 21st century listeners to experience live sets by a distinctive musical spirit.

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Jazz Album Review: Owen Broder’s “Hodges: Front and Center, Vol. 2” — A Vibrant Homage

April 19, 2024
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Saxophonist Owen Broder’s efforts to keep Johnny Hodges’ music alive is more than just mere imitation. It is a fitting tribute to a musician who deserves to be listened to more.

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Latin Jazz Album Review: The Blustery, Bellowing, and Bluesy Sound of Dave Schumacher and Cubeye

April 16, 2024
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This is my kind of music, a tight latin jazz outfit that embraces great horn charts and explosive percussion.

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Jazz Album Review: Noah Haidu’s “Standards II” — A Trio of Masters

April 12, 2024
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Pianist Noah Haidu’s impeccably performed and recorded “Standards II” is a winner.

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Jazz Album Review: “Johnny Griffin, Live at Ronnie Scott’s 1964” — A Somewhat Flawed Set

March 27, 2024
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This is a blemished set that I, a Johnny Griffin enthusiast, am glad to have.

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Book Review: “3 Shades of Blue” — Transcendent Art, Despite Personal Demons

March 26, 2024
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“3 Shades of Blue” is at its most compelling seen as an extended essay about drugs, creativity, the jazz life, and the mysterious nature of musical genius. 

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Jazz Appreciation: Moppa Elliott Does It All for You

March 25, 2024
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Moppa Elliott is an important jazz composer and a dynamic leader. When he brings a group to our area (which happens only rarely), do not miss the gig. When he issues a new recording, pay attention.

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Jazz Album Reviews: Moppa Elliott’s New Recordings — His Most Sincere Efforts to Date

March 20, 2024
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Moppa Elliott makes eminently approachable music at a very high standard, with great ingenuity and sophistication. He has proven himself to be one of the most inventive and creative composers for small jazz ensemble since Charles Mingus.

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

March 18, 2024
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Guitarist Julian Lage wants his music to have a certain paradoxical lightness: to be “reckless and durable” at the same time.

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

March 15, 2024
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“Big George” is polished, tonally elegant, and beautifully recorded

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