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
Providing some of the best solos to found on a jazz album released this year, Russ Spiegel‘s Caribbean Blue is a must-hear multi-cultural musical experience. The unique artistic layers at play here make for a rewarding light jazz adventure. The album reminds me of the years (long ago) when I would put a Pat Metheny … Continue reading
“Wherever one goes in the Southwest, one encounters magic, strength, and beauty,” Ansel Adams wrote. Inspired by the same landscape each track on Todd Mosby’s album has a quality that invites you to stay a while longer, exploring the nuances and allowing the smallest moments to be epic in their own way. As if I … Continue reading
Musicians: Constantine Alexander (trumpet and flugelhorn), Roy McGrath (tenor saxophone), Julius Tucker (piano), Greg Essig (drums), Ben Dillinger (bass) “As a son of Greek immigrants born and raised in the (best) city of Chicago, you have to ask—what’s more Chicago than Pizza and Jazz? I hosted a jam session in 2017 at Gino’s East Pizzeria … Continue reading
Where’s the Grammy category for Most Comforting Music? If it existed, Noshir Mody‘s latest album, A Love Song, would win hands down. Among these five tracks, all composed by Mody, are some of the most soothing souds you could ever hope to hear. Clearly, to him, love is a peaceful place. Or at least a … Continue reading
(Release date: November 1, 2023) If they’re appearing live, by all means go out and enjoy! If they aren’t booked anywhere near wherever you find yourself, then this album will transport you to where their music flies, dives, swirls, and thrills. I promise. Joe Wittman‘s latest album, Trio Works Sol, is a fluid journey, with … Continue reading
To put it simply, Neon, by pianist Arina Fujiwara is a discovery. It’s not an album that has received a lot of industry attention, but don’t let that keep you from investigating this sublime recording from an exciting emerging artist. There are diversions and delights in every one of Fujiwara’s intricate arrangements. She is a … Continue reading
Tomas Janzon‘s latest album, Nomadic, is a sly, subtle affair. It’s the kind of album that will inspire you to kick off your shoes, perhaps pour a cocktail, and relax into your favorite music-appreciating seat. The Stockholm-born guitarist blends different styles and influences through eleven tracks. It’s a tender take on inventiveness, offering crafty interpretations … Continue reading
After 49 years on the shelf, Drink Plenty Water, a long lost jazz recording from the late tenor sax master Clifford Jordan has been issued. Originally recorded for the Strata-East label in 1974, it is the only release in the Chicago native’s catalog that is primarily a vocal recording, with inventive arrangements courtesy of bassist Bill … Continue reading
Every once in awhile it just makes more sense to pass along the information about an album that the group’s publicist sent. That is the case with Charlie Apicella & Iron City‘s Destiny Calling. Rather than miss an important aspect of these stellar musicians’ glorious musical vision, I’m prepared to step aside and let them … Continue reading
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