Manel Fortià’s album of his Spanish-tinged compositions is meant to wake us up to what the bassist can do.
Michael Ullman
Jazz Album Review: Ornette Coleman — Very Much the “Genesis of Genius”
Ornette Coleman turned to me and said, “You know, you can never really be out of tune. You are always in tune with something.”
Jazz Album Review: Oscar Peterson Quartet — “A Time for Love”
Oscar Peterson always seemed at his best live, which is how we find the pianist in this beautifully recorded, newly issued set.
Jazz Album Review: “2 Blues for Cecil” — Beautifully Out of the Box
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.
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.