Jazz Articles

Michael Cox: Compassion

by Mark Corroto
February 1, 2018

Compassion by saxophonist Michael Cox evokes thoughts of sausages. Specifically, how they're made and for what purpose. Think about it, have you ever had an unforgettable hot dog? No. Even if you ate one at the World Series, you could never call it memorable. That wasn't its objective. So, let's talk of cured meats. The luxury of prosciutto, pancetta, coppa, or culatello is indelible. The same thought may come when Cox records a session with drummer Matt Wilson ...

Chad Eby: Triptych

by AAJ Staff
April 12, 2002

Chad Eby is no household name in Jazz- yet. But on this, his debut record, the multireedist Eby shows the kind of maturity and musicality that elude many on their debut record, and as such, he deserves no small amount of notice.

Eby has played with Brad Leali, Wessell Anderson, Steve Turre, Victor Atkins, Scott Amendola, Clarence Seay, and was a member of the Sarah Morrow quintet for her cd release tour in France a few years ago. He can ...

Dick Mackey: Why Stars Come Out At Night

by AAJ Staff
March 1, 2002

It's the vocalists that are most undersung these days. How one could not come to this conclusion upon having heard this delightful release by a little-known jazzman named Dick Mackey, is surely inconceivable.

Mr. Dick Mackey is a fine, fine vocalist that few outside of his native Columbus, Ohio have probably heard of. Through the miracle of recorded sound, however, those who don't live in Ohio fortunately have the opportunity to hear this man and his music, and should take ...

Tim Cummiskey Trio: Alone Together

by Ken Hohman
January 1, 2002

Though it contains no original compositions, the debut from Ohio-based jazz guitarist Tim Cummiskey offers more than its share of originality. On this balanced collection of standards and surprising personal selections, Cummiskey skips effortlessly from single line improvisations to chord explorations without tripping over the obstacles he's placed in his own path.

After all, taking on angular compositions like Ornette Coleman's “Turnaround" and John Coltrane's “Giant Steps" are indeed giant steps with a sound as soft and so intrinsically tied ...

Stan Smith: No Discussion

by AAJ Staff
September 1, 2001

Stan Smith is a Columbus area jazz guitarist who like many fine jazz musicians has spent a good deal of his career disguised as a music professor (at Capital University). In contrast to some who get comfortable or simply too busy in the academic jazz world though, Mr. Smith has always maintained a steady diet of gigs and recording sessions to stay on top of his game.

Hence, the recording here, a gem of a guitar trio record that many ...