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.
Michael Ullman
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.
May Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Arts Feature: Significant Jazz Experiences, 2020
The magazine’s jazz critics look back over the past year and highlight their favorites — performances, recordings, and books.
Jazz Album Review: Keith Jarrett’s “Budapest Concert” — Crystalline Endgame
My guess is that Keith Jarrett probably wasn’t satisfied with this performance. I wouldn’t change a note, a gesture, or a shading.
Jazz Appreciation: A Celebration of Charlie Parker on His 100th Birthday
Arts Fuse jazz critics offer their favorite performances from the Bird.
Jazz Album Review: Dave Pietro’s “Hypersphere” — Complexity, Made Clear
Dave Pietro is a fine, distinctive composer, an agile, precise saxophonist, and a band leader to be trusted.