Articles by James Aren
Méva's Journal: Chimera
by James Aren
Straight from Australia, sounding like New York in 1960, Meva's Journal plays it mostly old school, with an interesting twist. On Chimera, this hard-bop band swings in all the right places. The band, led by Evan J. Evans, lists Thelonious Monk as their major influence, and it is easy to hear. The band features Tyger Middleton on tenor saxophone and Chis James on alto saxophone; they sound great while trading solos, especially when playing lines in tandem. With ...
Continue ReadingThe Signal Quartet: Approaching
by James Aren
Signal Quartet is not afraid to get messy. You cannot make a musical omelette without cracking some eggs. Approaching has some cracked eggs along the way, but it contains some delicious moments. The band features traditional jazz instrumentation--guitar, trumpet, bass and drums--but something makes it seem progressive. Each musician shows impressive mastery of their instrument. Ben Wolkins plays trumpet and flugelhorn with full-bodied warmth and dexterity. On guitar, Ian Blunden bounces between distortion and clean while seeming equally ...
Continue ReadingVince Guaraldi: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
by James Aren
Just in time for Thanksgiving, the people at Lee Mendelson films are serving up a fresh take on some old favorites. The soundtrack to a A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has been released for the first time, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the special. Vince Guaraldi's voice is the first sound on the album. “Okay, well, did ya get that last one? This is cue one," as it swings into “Charlie Brown Blues." It is a good introduction ...
Continue ReadingJulian Lage at Ann Arbor's Ark
by James Aren
Julian Lage The Ark Ann Arbor, Michigan September 8, 2023 Julian Lage plays like a man amused. He shakes his head and laughs at the things happening to his guitar as if he didn't make them happen. He rocks back and forth in his chair, tapping his foot, staring off into the distance reading music that no one else sees. The crowd laughs too when they hear something they know is impossible. No ...
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