That’s the album cover of a guy who has something on his mind. And on his latest release, Chasing The Sun, blues rocker Colin James does just that. The album’s eleven tracks (produced and arranged by Colin James and Colin Linden) are evidence to uphold the commonly-held notion that James is a “musician’s musician.” Joining … Continue reading
If you are lucky enough to encounter an actual record store these days, I bet there’d be an entire Duke Robbilard section. And that is as it should be. Is there a musician around whose art is as prolific and consistently high-quality as the blues guitarist? His multiple Grammy nominations and his four Blues Music … Continue reading
Randy Lee Riviere‘s new album, Concrete Blues, is a throughly satisfying blues/roots/rock experience. It is best played over and over again with, perhaps, slightly increased volume each time. It’s the kind of music that can take (and deserves) such respect. There’s a unity of purpose driving this recording and the results are phenomenal. With songs … Continue reading
It’s a beautiful thing when the song is true and the voice trustworthy. Such is the case with Ruthie Purves Smith as she shares the characters, stories, melodies (and plenty of wisdom) of her latest album, Piano In The Field. With a decidely rural perspective, Smith distills everyday emotions with symphonic importance, giving them instantly … Continue reading
Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Jo Stafford, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, and others. Early in their careers, they were “canaries” — women singing with the great Big Bands of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, and others. But these women were birds of a feather in more ways than one. They … Continue reading
What a delight to hear Amber Weekes perform these gorgeous songs. Such fine interpretation, paying tribute to the great Nancy Wilson, while also carving out her own unique take on occasion. She conveys the vast emotional territory originally chartered by Wilson, and does it with elegance and sophisticated panache. Weekes is supported by a stellar … Continue reading
Shawn Maxwell‘s latest release is a tour of his many instrumental talents, supported by equally expert musicians. The “J” in the album’s title is Joliet, Illinois. It frames the collection of songs, which all explore themes associated with Maxwell’s roots from having grown up there. It affords the players to present a nuanced, personal album, … Continue reading
John Ambrosini has a distinctive vocal style and he sings while playing piano. He’s not a jazz singer, but Ambrosini’s a solid singer with a soulful sound that wraps competent arms around pop music, folk, and even rock. His voice, like his arranging talents, embraces all genres. On this warm album, the songs are presented … Continue reading
It feels like Academy Awards night at my place. Why? I’m listening (on repeat) to Movie Magic, the new album from Jack Wood and Nichaud Fitzgibbon. The collection of 16 sublime songs is given a loving presentation from the duo. Each track is a straightforward treatment, each note is sung or played as intended by … Continue reading
Originally released in 2007, Rhythm Edge has been remixed and remastered for a new generation of jazz listeners. Its re-release is a celebration of the many talents of Eric Person. He does it all, it seems, expertly… and with a grace and relaxation that allows each note the quality of self determination. He is of … Continue reading
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