Guitarist and sitarist Daniel Garbin‘s new album, Rising, is an alluring interplay of rhythm, melody, and harmony. Garbin (who wrote and produced all songs on the album, with the exception of three tracks co-written with Simona Pop) leads an equally gifted quintet: Camila Cortina Bello (piano & keys), Scott Litroff (alto saxophone), Eddy Khaimovich (electric and … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: March 2025
New Jazz: Jake Hertzog—’Ozark Concerto’
After several acclaimed jazz-rock trio albums, guitarist Jake Hertzog shifted to a more intimate sound with 2016’s solo electric guitar album Well Lit Shadow, followed by the duet projects Stringscapes in 2018 and A Turn of Events in 2023. With this album, he has created a large-scale work for jazz orchestra, guitar, and string quartet, … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: WDR Big Band
At first, the question arises, “What is this?” After a few moments, the answer comes. It is everything you’ve been wanting out of new music… but just didn’t realize it yet. It is kinetic, spirited, and sprawling, while being thoughtful, rooted, and incredibly precise. It’s a unique fusion of bluegrass and large orchestral jazz. The … Continue reading
New Blues: Max Hightower — ‘Nothin’ But The Truth’
On Max Hightower‘s new album—Nothin’ But The Truth—his vocal style, reminiscent of some of the best blues musicians, is framed by a crew of equally gifted instrumentalists, and because of that each track shines. Hightower’ earthy, raw approach feels both invigorating and timeless. It’s an album that sends you in search of information about his … Continue reading