Jazz pianist, composer and singer, Sarah McKenzie recently released her sixth album, Without You. The Brazilian-influenced collection includes material from jazz legend Antonio Carlos Jobim (including bossa nova classics “Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)” and “The Girl from Ipanema”), along with four original songs. The quality of the songs is matched by her strong, sparkling musicianship. The album’s … Continue reading
Bobby Kapp and some equally sensitive fellow musicians play the music of Richard Sussman on Synergy, the provocative new jazz release. It is a ever-evolving tour de force, with the interplay between the players perfectly in tune with the innovative compositions and charts. The arrangements require particularly adept transition capabilities. Each moment unravels logically, sustaining … Continue reading
Randy Lee Riviere’s new album, Blues Sky, delivers muscular country rock with strong narrative. It’s a journey through some surprising emotional territory, with Riviere’s vocals and guitar leading the way with a gritty edge. Or is it edgy grit? Whatever it is, it is instantly atmospheric. Production values courtesy of Kevin McKendree are solid and innovative. … Continue reading
Blues/rock guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia‘s energetic Blood Brothers tour has been recreated on their latest album, Blood Brothers Live in Canada. It’s a heated, smoldering, and occasionally fully-ignited event. The duo is supported by a collection of equally committed players. The album’s musicians are: Mike Zito – vocals/guitars; Albert Castiglia – vocals/guitars; Doug … Continue reading
Eightlock’s new album, Lions Roaring in Quicksand (out now on Steele Records) showcases band leader Paul Reed Smith’s expertise in all things guitar (making them and playing them). The tracks offer an impressive array of styles, all played with equal mastery. The band’s sound is a blend of blues, soul, rock, funk and roots, delivered with a … Continue reading
Allow me to introduce you to Bowmanville. If you were one of the nearly hundred partygoers at my NYC apartment last weekend, you enjoyed their new album, Bowmanville, for hours. And if you were one of the many who asked who was on the turntable, this review is for you. Bowmanville is a quintet (Mason … Continue reading
Canadian soul/blues/roots singer/songwriter André Bisson isn’t easy to label. There’s a pulse to every song. The music he makes is as expansive as the experiences of life. Bisson wrote and produced all the material on Latchford, his 10th studio album. Clearly, he has stories to tell, feelings to convey (and inspire), and he does it … Continue reading
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
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