The trio shares Cecil Taylor’s love of rational freedom and adventure, but it doesn’t try to reproduce the pianist’s rip-roaring intensity.
Michael Ullman
Arts Feature: Significant Jazz Experiences, 2021
The magazine’s jazz critics look back over the past year and highlight their favorites — mainly recordings.
Jazz Album Review: Christian McBride & Inside Straight: Live at the Village Vanguard
As serious a musician as he is, and as virtuosic as he can be, the naturally extroverted Christian McBride knows how to entertain, a talent generously evident in this live performance.
Jazz Album Review: Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson Go Time Tripping
Guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier share a remarkable rapport on this duet album.
Jazz Album Review: “A Prayer for Lester Bowie” — Rollercoaster Rides
This session should appeal most to those who love the crashing, intemperate sound of a brass big band.
Jazz Album Review: A Big Band Homage to the Late Jimmy Heath
The Temple University students in this fine big band homage to the late saxophonist/composer Jimmy Heath sound professional — tight and well rehearsed. They are joined by all-stars Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride.
Jazz Album Review: “Chick Corea Akoustic Band Live” — A High-Spirited Reunion
A judicious mix of jazz classics, standards, and Corea compositions, Live is a blast.
Jazz Album Review: “Relief: A Benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund”
There’s a pleasing variety in this collection, which serves up valuable music that might not have otherwise been heard.
July Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Jazz Album Review: Saxophonist Ivo Perelman and Pianist Matthew Shipp — Creating Potent, Laser-like Thoughts
Ivo Perelman and Matthew Shipp’s duets will draw in and fascinate listeners who are open to intelligent, virtuosic, and intimate improvisations, simultaneously logical and free.