American Jenson Brooksby was crowned the 2025 US Clay champion in Houston last Sunday. With this victory, he won his first ATP Tour title and competed in his fourth ATP Tour final, all on U.S. soil. Match Highlights:– Brooksby saved five match points throughout his seven wins this week, one in the qualifying opening round, three in the second round, and one … Continue reading
Allison August’s new album, August Moon (on MoMojo Records), showcases the multiple talents of this Southern California-based singer. The album is produced by Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel, who also performs drums on most tracks. August Moon highlights August’s exceptional vocal abilities, supported by a group of renowned musicians, including Paul Barrere (guitar), Mike Finnigan (keyboards), Lenny … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
Why go out? Now you can avoid the winter weather and heat things up at home with Steve Smith & Vital Information‘s new album — New Perspective. It is a thrillingly realized display of musical teamwork that is as satisfactory as it is ambitious. Mr. Smith is particularly inspiring when he deconstructs and reconstructs “Don’t … Continue reading
The song begins with the most reliable beginning possible—an inviting saxophone, luring the listener in, deeper and deeper. Suddenly, on a cloud of soothing chords with a sparkly counter melody, the voice appears. Even though the beauty of the song’s introduction could go on forever, it is a voice that you want to hear more … Continue reading
Mundoagua, the new album from Arturo O’Farrill (& The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra) is an important recording. It’s ambitious. It’s precisely carried out. And, considering the subtitle (Celebrating Carla Bley), it’s a well-deserved and worthy tribute. The album is set to be released 7 February 2025 on the Zoho label.. The album is personal for … Continue reading
Just the Three of Us features the jazz stylings of Alan Chaubert, who masterfully plays both muted trumpet and piano simultaneously. It’s a continual musical coup de théâtre. Accompanied by Belden Bullock on bass, and Jon Di Fiore on drums, Chaubert highlights the beauty of nine outstanding compositions by renowned artists such as Charlie Haden, … Continue reading
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