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
After producing over 50 albums for other artists in Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S., participating as pianist-arranger in more than 100 recordings and writing music for feature films, theater and television, as well as jingles and video games, Israel Tanenbaum is stepping out with something more profoundly personal on Impressions. Leading a talented crew … Continue reading
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
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