On his latest release, pianist and keyboardist Sam Ross turns the Mira Room into an intimate, energetic experience as he fills the space with verbs and reverbs that soothe and scintillate. Judging from the live audience response on the album, they agree with me. (That an audience representation takes up the majority of the space … Continue reading
Madre Vaca’s latest release is an album depicting the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table that features rich melodies, creative solos, impeccable ensemble performance, and a spirit that does justice to the classic stories. From the album notes: “Once upon a time, there was a land invaded by evil: Innocent … Continue reading
Colette Michaan‘s new album, Earth Rebirth is an alluring collection of songs, played with sensitivity and grace. The musical notes float out, surrounding the listener in clouds of ever-changing color. It’s a thoroughly satisfying jazz experience. Michaan’s virtuoso playing of both flute and bamboo flute sets a level of musicianship that is matched by everyone … Continue reading
Providing some of the best solos to found on a jazz album released this year, Russ Spiegel‘s Caribbean Blue is a must-hear multi-cultural musical experience. The unique artistic layers at play here make for a rewarding light jazz adventure. The album reminds me of the years (long ago) when I would put a Pat Metheny … Continue reading
“Wherever one goes in the Southwest, one encounters magic, strength, and beauty,” Ansel Adams wrote. Inspired by the same landscape each track on Todd Mosby’s album has a quality that invites you to stay a while longer, exploring the nuances and allowing the smallest moments to be epic in their own way. As if I … Continue reading
When an album is as entertaining as The Groove Krewe (feat. Jonathon Boogie Long)’s Blues From the Bayou, the only critique that can be made is the disappointment that comes from it being an EP and not a double CD. These are bayou blues—swampy, spicy, rollicking arrangements that make full use of the interplay between … Continue reading
Twang is back. And it’s a good thing. Better yet, it’s brought to us by a group of musicians who clearly know the purpose of their music—to reveal the multiple perspectives on life as lived by just about everyone who ever turned to a country song for affirmation. John Surge and the Haymakers are a … Continue reading
Musicians: Constantine Alexander (trumpet and flugelhorn), Roy McGrath (tenor saxophone), Julius Tucker (piano), Greg Essig (drums), Ben Dillinger (bass) “As a son of Greek immigrants born and raised in the (best) city of Chicago, you have to ask—what’s more Chicago than Pizza and Jazz? I hosted a jam session in 2017 at Gino’s East Pizzeria … Continue reading
Label: Broken Bow Records Great news: country music superstar Jason Aldean has released his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado. Produced by longtime collaborator Michael Knox, the album features the reigning ACM Artist of the Decade’s chart-topping Hot 100 #1 single, “Try That In A Small Town,” and follows the success of his recent double album. … Continue reading
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