Los Angeles-based guitarist Doug MacDonald has released another top-notch album with fellow trio members Mike Flick (bass) and Kendall Kay (drums). Making music as a trio may hold certain challenges, but when it is done right, it really allows the players to shine. And they do on this new album. Edwin Alley offers eight original … Continue reading
Multi-genre guitarist/composer/producer Peter Xifaras has released an album, Fusion, that transcends the term. It is an emotionally satisfying experience courtesy of Shunzo Ohno on trumpet, Xander Nichting on violin, Max Gerl on bass, and Scott Jackson on drums and percussion, along with sumptuous contributions from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. To be transported so effectively to … Continue reading
Ben Sher is a virtuoso jazz guitarist whose appearances around the globe have had an effect on his playing. He has developed and sustained an intercontinental sensibility that eliminates the unnecessary, thus highlighting the essential. It’s a gift that he shares on his latest album, Samba for Tarsila. Samba for Tarsila is a musical tribute to … Continue reading
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
