Al Basile‘s new album, B’s Time, is another timeless collection of quintessential songs that, when added to the previous output of the eight-time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/cornetist, illustrate what a treasure he is. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Sweetspot Records, Basile’s label, and B’s Time is its 20th release. The new album, a career retrospective, features 17 tracks from … Continue reading
On his new album, The Song Is You, Matt Barber does something almost unheard of these days. He places the focus on the song rather than his interpretation of it. While this might confuse some listeners, it should be recognized as a sign of his trust in the material. He recreates a golden age of … Continue reading
In Book of Stories, arising from composition, improvisation, synergy, and truth seeking, Critical Response challenges the average listener to find a way in to the ideas that have inspired this album. If the listener is up to it, there are rewards to be mined. Even if the tracks don’t point the direction to a solution, … Continue reading
From a stellar lineup of Austin Texas musicians, the Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet‘s new recording, Emergence, expands jazz boundaries with a feast of sound. Talk about refreshing. Someone please make a modern day film noir. The soundtrack is already ready. Emergence, overflows with atmosphere, drama, and possible storylines. Shining with an unmistakable power … Continue reading
Steve Smith and Vital Information Time Flies (+ Bonus CD: A Prayer For the Generations) Label: Wounded Bird Vital Information is the jazz group led by Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame drummer Steve Smith (formerly of Journey). The group is a trio with Smith, Manuel Valera on keyboards and Janek Gwizdala on electric bass. The band has a new … Continue reading
When I see a track titled “One For Cliff,” I skip straight to it on the album. Therefore, my first impression of the Kevin O’Connell Quartet wasn’t the first track (“Newest Blues”). Instead, track two proved to me that this combo can really bop. Credentials having been earned, I looked forward to starting again at … Continue reading
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
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