James Judson’s debut album comes across the creative output of a seasoned pro. He clearly loves to make music, and he has impeccable taste in choosing his material. The album features a variety of tracks—all of them impressive—from the playful opener “Is There A Chance,” to the atmospheric “The Shadow of Your Smile,” to the … Continue reading
While many jazz albums rely on studio polish, a live recording offers a true test of a musician’s skill, revealing not just technique but real-time interaction. Live in Beverly Hills, from the Doug MacDonald Trio succeeds in maintaining this tradition, showing that live musical exchange is still what it’s all about. In the absence of … Continue reading
Compositions in Blue and Other Hues delivers eleven original jazz tunes by Massachusetts composer Ron Rieder, performed by a quintet of flexible, talented musicians in a traditional hardbop presentation. The album leans into classic jazz, breezing through styles that showcase Rieder’s versatility. It covers such territory that you always want more. Continue reading
Duke Robillard, a two-time GRAMMY nominee and four-time Blues Music Award winner, celebrates his signing to Nola Blue Records with the release of Blast Off! on February 20 (available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats). With Blast Off!, Duke Robillard does what he does best—displays his incredible consistency with twelve tracks that blend blues, swing, … Continue reading
Nothin’ Better To Do may be Betty Bryant‘s fifteenth album, but it sparkles with a freshess that any newcomer would admire. Betty Bryant brings the greatest attribute of all—experience—to her latest album. As a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter, she demonstrates her enduring talents, . The performances captured on this BryMar Music release breathe new life … Continue reading
(Available on all digital music platforms) Cosimo Lizzi‘s new holiday EP, Be Coz It’s Christmas, is a collection of timeless Christmas classics in Cosimo’s signature velvety-smooth, fireplace-warm vocal style. Recorded at Blackbird Studio and Baird Music Group in Nashville, Tennessee, the EP continues to show the command Cosimo Lizzi has over music of any genre. … Continue reading
What a spectacular collection of songs and performances. After decades leading big bands and working at the Benny Goodman Archives, Loren Schoenberg debuts on Turtle Bay Records with So Many Memories, reviving Eddie Sauter’s swing-era arrangements from the late 1930s. Played by a Juilliard-based orchestra, with Schoenberg on piano,, the album captures vibrant, elegant charts … Continue reading
On Kickin’ It, her new album, Josie Falbo demonstrates impressive vocal finesse. Her range and versatility are spectacular. Equally as important, she allows her interpretive skills to drive her technique. The emotion she mines in each note add up to deliver phrases directly from the heart. Kickin’ It is one of those albums you’ll listen … Continue reading
Greg Nagy’s album Just A Little More Time is a satisfying blend of soul, blues, and R&B. Nagy’s heartfelt vocals, exceptional guitar work, and storytelling all combine to deliver a must-have for fans of classic soul and modern blues. Besides strong originals (such as the title track), the album features compelling covers of songs by … Continue reading
Christmas is a refined and sophisticated addition to the stack of albums we joyfully pull out this time of year. Clearly, vocalist Judy Whitmore recognizes the importance of style when putting together a collection of holiday songs. She has her own bright and touching way with the material, and she surrounds herself with equally talented … Continue reading
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