On her album Eugenie, the smooth, invigorating jazz vocals of Eugenie Jones are gift-wrapped with inviting arrangements and the sublime playing of a variety of musicians. Eugenie Jones has a specialty — mining the subtle emotion in a song and enfolding it with her own lived experience so that every note is honest and true. … Continue reading
Vocalist Liz Cole’s debut album, I Want To Be Happy, blends strong jazz foundations with creative interpretations of classic standards. Her smooth, warm vocals radiate optimism and joy, making the disc a highly desirable listen. Cole is equally at home with the demands of each song on the album, whether swinging or ballad. Just when you … Continue reading
Musicians: Jessica Jones, Tony Jones (tenor sax), Stomu Takeishi (bass), Deszon Claiborne (drums). Like the title, this is a collection of very specific sounds. All of them are bursting with life, imagination, and connection. With these “flowers,” the Jessica Jones Quartet has crafted an album that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant. … Continue reading
Just when this year’s Oscar nominations have reminded us of how far the quality of film scores and songs have fallen, along comes jazz guitarist Dave Stryker‘s new album—Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies. This collection of sublime performances of exceptional material restores faith in the importance of a movie’s aural screenplay. Since this … Continue reading
Guitarist Jimmy Vivino will release his label (Gulf Coast Records) debut album, Gonna Be 2 of Those Days, on February 14, 2025. It’s an album that features all of the passion and power expected from this monster musician. It also features special guests Joe Bonamassa and John Sebastian. After his highly successful run as the leader of Jimmy Vivino and the … Continue reading
precondition, the recently released album from jazz guitarist Vincenzo Virgillito, is the most thought-provoking film soundtrack I’ve hear in a long time. Oh, sure, the film for it hasn’t been made yet, but all of the drama, tension, release, and emotion is there, believe me. Produced by Vincenzo Virgillito and Roberto Filoseta, precondition is a … Continue reading
What the world needs now are the contemporary jazz sounds of Doug MacDonald. Luckily, it is available on Santa Monica Session—the recently released album on Dmac Music. The songs performed display the musician’s versatility and sense of adventure. Familiar grooves are given a breezy treatment, and all is well with the world. A residual effect … Continue reading
What a delicious recording. Thank you, Benjie Porecki, for All That Matters. It will stay in my CD drive through the winter, and likely beyond. It is a comforting, stimulating, inspiring, collection of well curated songs, all played masterfully. There is a vibe captured on this album that reminds one of the process of falling … Continue reading
With Almost Home, Honolulu-based quartet Groovology makes their debut. It is a very promising appearance, with a unique balance to the varied playlist, and an attentiveness to each others superb musicianship. Groovology, indeed. There were sections of certain songs (especially with the title track) where I could not help but feel I was involved with … Continue reading
The Blur the Lines Project, the latest release from drummer, composer, bandleader, radio broadcaster, and educator Jae Sinnett, is a case of risk bringing reward. The entire project is bold, ambitious, exploratory, and very worthy of the time you’ll spend involved with listening to it. Musicians: Jae Sinnett (Drums, Vocals), Allen Farnham (Hammond Organ, Piano), … Continue reading
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