Jazz
One of pianist Edward Simon’s strengths is his ability to be simultaneously romantic and clear-headed, precise and suggestive.
The range of Kurt Elling’s repertoire is astonishing and his program at Jimmy’s was commensurately ambitious.
Jane Ira Bloom responded to her pandemic isolation with a CD of duets with bassist Mark Helias and a CD of duets with drummer Allison Miller. These two sessions are unique projects in her discography and beautiful testaments to her ingenuity.
I spoke with Jane Ira Bloom on September 21, 2021 via Zoom. This transcript has been edited for space and ellipses have been omitted for readability. Some paraphrases and details are added for clarity.
Even if this is a commercial confection, it’s worth taking seriously because it is very likely to be Tony Bennett’s final album.
This seven-song, hour-long release, drawn from three nights at the fabled 1369 Club, is, in a word, sensational.
Guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier share a remarkable rapport on this duet album.
At 75, Dave Liebman pays tribute to John Coltrane by still doing what Coltrane would surely have wanted him to do: to look within and find truths that are a wellspring of rewarding and challenging music for the rest of us.
Comes Love was Sheila Jordan’s first full recording session as a leader, and it automatically becomes a collector’s item for those who love the legendary jazz singer’s work.
This session should appeal most to those who love the crashing, intemperate sound of a brass big band.
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