Drummer/composer Reggie Quinerly’s Music Inspired by Freedmantown is perhaps the historical work that the Houston-born artist always wanted to make. What makes it more interesting is that this is his debut recording. The album pertains to the history of his native Houston and reveals an education in “soulful essence,” so to speak. “Over time, I … Continue reading »
A special recording indeed. Continue reading »
Pianist Satoko Fujii and trumpeter Natsuki Tamura take to Muku with designs on once again challenging the listener. The two have consistently done so throughout their impressive careers thus far, so it should come as no surprise that their fifth release as a duo since 1997 finds a unique approach once again benefitting the material. Continue reading »
Los Angeles-based guitarist Graham Dechter plays with a veritable all-star team of jazz musicians on Takin’ It There, his latest record. His Right on Time proved the then-23-year-old as “one of jazz’s most gifted young guitarists.” Three years later, his second release on Capri cements this cold, hard fact. Continue reading »
There is little doubt that the harp-playing found on Carol Robbins’ Moraga is amazing. At first blush, it may seem that the harp isn’t associated with jazz that often. Yet with the likes of Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane making tremendous inroads with the lush instrument, it’s probably not surprising that Robbins world fits right at home with … Continue reading »
The bonds of family glide into place on LifeTimes, a splendid tribute to the music of Dave Brubeck presented by the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Continue reading »
Five-time Grammy nominee Fred Hersch takes to Alive at the Vanguard with an exciting trio that rounds out with bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson. The pianist’s group has drawn enough water from the well for a double album. Continue reading »
With his latest outing Anti-Mass, trumpeter and composer Erik Jekabson takes his String-tet group through pieces of chamber jazz inspired by artwork from San Francisco’s DeYoung Museum. Continue reading »
Canada’s Shuffle Demons have been digging in for over 25 years, touring their home and native land (as well as Europe, Asia, India, and Australia) extensively. With ClusterFunk, their first album of new stuff in close to 20 years, these little sprites are laying down some seriously funky grooves laced with clever lyrics and blasts … Continue reading »
