Jazz

Arts Commentary: The Music Biz — When Difficult Becomes Dire

June 15, 2020
Posted in , , ,

The advantage of localism enjoyed by a club down the block disappears in cyberspace.

Jazz CD Review: Cory Smythe’s “Accelerate Every Voice” — Densely Layered; Simultaneously Music and Cryptic Puzzle

June 9, 2020
Posted in , , ,

This is virtuosity-driven chamber music with fluctuating levels of oxygen, shadows, and light.

Jazz Album Review: Wolfgang Muthspiel’s Superb “Angular Blues”

June 4, 2020
Posted in , , ,

The precision and inventiveness of Angular Blues more than meets our high expectations for this terrific trio.

Jazz Album Reviews: Matthew Shipp and Whit Dickey — Unrepentant Proponents of Free Jazz

June 2, 2020
Posted in , , ,

Decades on, Matthew Shipp and Whit Dickey have grown into mature models of how to keep the faith when following an idiosyncratic muse.

Jazz EP Review: Esperanza Spalding and Fred Hersch: Live at the Village Vanguard — A Divine Duo

May 31, 2020
Posted in , , ,

Yes, purchasing this EP will help out a good cause, but the musical value of this fabulous duo’s performance is priceless.

Jazz CD Review: John Scofield’s “Swallow Tales” — Steve Swallow’s Quirky Romanticism

May 27, 2020
Posted in , , ,

This is an intelligent, inventively performed, be-boppish tribute to a composer I now know better than ever.

Jazz Commentary: Sinatra — Myth, Reality, and a Critic Standing in Line at Arby’s

May 21, 2020
Posted in , , ,

A review of the 60th anniversary reissue of Frank Sinatra’s album Nice ‘n’ Easy. Though not without a few rounds with the Sinatra mythology — not the complicated man, but his music.

Jazz CD Review: “The Jerry Granelli Trio Plays Vince Guaraldi and Mose Allison” — Paying Exciting Homage

May 21, 2020
Posted in , , ,

The interpretations of the covers in this beautifully realized tribute album will bring back memories of the originals in a way that is enlivening rather than nostalgic.

Music Documentary Review: “Up From the Streets” — New Orleans’ History of Oppression and Creativity

May 18, 2020
Posted in , , , ,

Up From the Streets is no New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival — but it tries.

Jazz Album Review: Brian Landrus’s “For Now” — With Strings Attached

May 16, 2020
Posted in , , ,

Saxophonist Brian Landrus seems to know what he’s got in this magnificent trio: Fred Hersch on piano, Drew Gress on bass, and Billy Hart on drums.

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

Categories

Archives