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
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
parcbench .live 