Jazz
The songs by Milton Nascimento and Chico Buarque re-imagined on Rio Minas are not necessarily their best known, but all of the performances on this album eloquently testify to saxophonist Jean-Pierre Zanella’s love of Brazil and its people.
It amazed me that Lee Konitz in his nineties could still find his way through a maze of changes, chorus after chorus, and at the same time be capable of weaving a beautiful, unscripted melody while producing a sound so wide, one could crawl into it.
What strikes this listener most is the writing’s disjointedly distinctive — sometimes unfathomable — sounds and textures, as well as the music’s unpredictable flow.
Singer Leslie Beukelman has a lot going for her, including her time, the quality of her voice, her control of improvisation, and her capacity to reach deeply into a ballad.
Lee Konitz was, with Sonny Rollins, one of the last of his great generation of jazz men still swinging hard.
I’d have to give the edge to Dave Liebman in terms of innovative creative reach. But Lakecia Benjamin more than holds her own in how she gives re-vitalizing attention to some very important musical roots.
Last Desert proves that guitarist Liberty Ellman and his group can dance when they want
Eschewing ostensible flash and musical sleight of hand, Without Deception is a treat for connoisseurs.
The idea of posting this list is to remind people of what has been lost and hope that it stirs us to preserve what we have left.
Arts Commentary: The Late Annie Ross — An Appreciation
Renowned singer and actress Annie Ross is urgently in need of financial assistance to pay for home care during this pandemic.
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