Articles by Larry Taylor
Gary Smulyan & Dominic Chianese: Bella Napoli
by Larry Taylor
Some concepts that seem far out, turn out to be right on. That is the case of the unlikely musical combination which comes together in the entertaining CD Bella Napoli--a salute to popular Italian song classics. Two greats pull this all together: acclaimed poll winner Gary Smulyan on baritone sax and actor-singer Dominic Chianese, well known as Uncle Junior on “The Sopranos," the Emmy-winning HBO TV series. And, as it turns out, Chianese is also a respected ...
read moreBob Mover: My Heart Tells Me
by Larry Taylor
Jazz saxophone veteran Bob Mover has put together a very satisfying two-disc release, My Heart Tell Me, with both swinging instrumentals and his very effective,unadorned vocals. Disc one has Mover mostly singing standards in soft pensive fashion, bringing to mind Nat Cole, as well as Chet Baker, his early-days cohort. Standouts on this are Warren/Gordon's “My Heart Tells Me” and Carey/Fischer's “Gone With th Wind," featuring pianist Kenny Barron's impeccable accompaniment---no embellishment, unadorned, but lots of soul. ...
read moreMonterey Jazz Festival 2013
by Larry Taylor
Monterey Jazz Festival Monterey, California September 28-30, 2013 Like a lavish banquet, one can't indulge in the whole spread, but only savor favorites. That was the case with the lineup at the 56th annual Monterey Jazz Festival which ran at the Monterey Fairgrounds in Northern California. Topping the fare were Wayne Shorter, Diana Krall and Joe Lovano. For three days, from afternoon to late evening, great jazz was performed by the best ...
read moreMichel Camilo: What's Up
by Larry Taylor
Jazz piano virtuoso Michel Camilo is known for his bombastic technique. For example, after a set at the Monterey Jazz Festival a couple of years ago, I stuck around and talked to the piano-tuner hired to rejuvenate the strings. He stood shaking his head in dismay after Camilo's hard driving workout, which had been a crowd-pleaser. Camilo's What's Up takes, however, a different approach. This is his second solo effort in his nearly 30-year career, his first ...
read moreNewport Beach Jazz Party: Newport Beach, CA, February 14-17, 2013
by Larry Taylor
Newport Beach Jazz PartyNewport Beach, CAFebruary 14-17, 2013Thursday was Valentine's Day and the kickoff for the 13th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Marriott Hotel, Southern California. This four-day event combined two holidays, Valentine's & President's Weekend, bringing together some 70 great musicians, playing day and night--evening concerts in the Grand Pacific Ballroom, afternoon pool-side events and Saturday and Sunday morning brunch shows. For night owls, there were after-hour sessions for listening and dancing. Fans with ...
read moreGrace Kelly: Grace Kelly: Live at Scullers
by Larry Taylor
Grace Kelly is indeed a prodigy on alto sax, having made her first recording at 12. Two years ago, at 18, her sixth album was released The Man with the Hat (Pazz Productions), a collaboration with the renowned Phil Woods on alto. That CD turned up the spotlight on her genius, bringing her increased attention. She shined in duets with Woods and had ample space to stretch in solos, playing mostly standards. She also adequately sang two songs. ...
read moreThe Clayton Brothers: The Gathering
by Larry Taylor
The Clayton Brothers--John on bass and Jeff on reeds--have been playing together for over 30 years, either in their small groups or in the large Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, formed in 1985 in partnership with drummer Jeff Hamilton. In small contexts, they have specialized in post-bop swing with a touch of funk, while the critically acclaimed big band is known for its crisp, intricate arrangements. The brothers have recorded many CDs in both configurations and traveled worldwide. In ...
read moreRanee Lee: Deep Song: A Tribute to Billie Holiday
by Larry Taylor
Deep Song--A Tribute To Billie Holiday is made up of vocalist Ranee Lee's wonderful renditions of classic Holiday recordings. Originally released in 1989, the disc has been beautifully remastered by Canada's Justin Time Records, with two bonus tracks added. True to her style, Lee doesn't try to create Holiday's unique plaintive quality but brings her own warm, earthy individuality to each track. Pianist Oliver Jones, handles most of the arrangements and also does stellar work in accompaniment. ...
read more55th Monterey Jazz Festival: September 21-23, 2012
by Larry Taylor
Monterey Jazz FestivalMonterey, CASeptember 21-23, 2012Standing out this year at the 55th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, as expected, were the three honorees--Ambrose Akinmusire, Bill Frisell and Jack DeJohnette. Besides receiving accolades they also had busy schedules, appearing in concerts in the festival for three-days, Sept. 21-23, at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Northern California. As always there was a surplus of things to see on the large outdoor Jimmy Lyons Stage and at five ...
read moreI Carry Your Heart: Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams
by Larry Taylor
Alexis ColeI Carry Your Heart; Alexis Cole Sings Pepper AdamsMotema Music2012I Carry Your Heart; Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams is a stunning piece of work. The lyrics, pure poetry; the music, cerebral and swinging. This creation is even more amazing when seen as part of a five-volume production covering all of baritone sax legend Pepper Adams' work. Producer Gary Carner got the idea for a digital box set, Joy ...
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