Noshir Mody’s latest album, A Love Song, is a delicate, deep exploration of the human experience, reflecting the unique blend of musical styles and influences that define his artistry. Mody fuses jazz, Indian classical music, and other genres into a beguiling and utterly convincing blend that is as refreshing as jazz at its best should … Continue reading
Saxophonist Jason Kush’s Finally Friday is a tonic good for any day of the week. The album is a steadily building state of euphoria that features the Jason Kush Quartet: Jason Kush – tenor saxophone, Alton Merrell – piano, Jeff Grubbs – bass, and David Glover – drums. As a composer, Jason Kush covers territory far beyond what might be … Continue reading
From the very first notes on their new release —Sixty and Still Cookin’— the Las Vegas Boneheads lay it all out there. The song is “Al Cohn Tune,” and it is akin to a finely tuned and now rare classic racing car starting its engine and then going for a dizzying spin. There is a … Continue reading
In Puerto Rico, a menjunje is a healing drink given to those who need to recover. After the pandemic, Roy McGrath’s new album of Afro-Caribbean jazz is just what we all could use. The collection of 8 tracks blends together the traditions and rhythms of Puerto Rican music with the playful sprit of jazz, and the expressiveness … Continue reading
This album of jazz duets from Franglais successfully fulfills a very specific need. If you know someone who has become a bit more of a wine expert during the recent stay-at-home period, this might be a perfect gift to bring them if they decide to invite you over for dinner once again. Ben Wood and … Continue reading
Artistas, Músicos y Poetas is Chembo Corniel’s sixth album under his record company Chemboro Records, Inc. Everything about this project is extraordinary. The material, the structure, the consummate musicianship, and the album art (by Andres Chaparro and Charlie Rosario) all contribute beautifully to Corniel paying homage to his musical roots. It is a highly satisfying result. If … Continue reading
What a delight to encounter the inspiration of a jazz bassoon-centered album. Who knew that this all too frequently overlooked woodwind could create such a playful, imaginative, addictive response? I could listen to Michael Rabinowitz play all night and still want more. I love the experimental spirit at the heart of this release. The featured … Continue reading
A good live album can provide that oh so difficult to achieve feeling of being in the room, encircled by swirling, gliding notes, full of life and spontaneity. Jazz artists Maria Jacobs’s new album, Back At The Bop Stop, accomplishes it from the first inviting drum kick-off of the Freddie Hubbard / Abbey Lincoln waltz … Continue reading
Sometimes, hearing an influence on an artist in his work is more than just a coincidence, more than just a good thing. Once in a while, it is a refreshing reminder of the continuity of the form. Such is the case with Skip Grasso’s new album, Becoming. It is a collection of 8 tracks that … Continue reading
Eldad Tarmu and friends have released a first-rate album that transports the listener to the nuanced and potent place where vibraphones converse with saxophones, while basses and drums keep the dialogue on topic. It is an always imaginative collection of tracks that bring faith to anyone wondering what the state of the art of jazz … Continue reading
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