Articles by Joseph Vella
Carmen McRae: At the Great American Music Hall
by Joseph Vella
From 1977, this live recording is one of the finest jazz vocal albums of all time. It captures Carmen McRae at her height performing a standout repertoire of standards and popular songs of the day in a small group setting (with special guest Dizzy Gillespie). Capturing Carmen's true brilliance as a jazz singer, her impeccable timing, dynamics, interpretative genius, and intimate lyrical storytelling is on full display here along with her magnetic rapport with the audience. Musicians of any genre ...
read moreLou Donaldson: Alligator Bogaloo
by Joseph Vella
Who doesn't love the playing of Lou Donaldson? This late-'60s gem is one of those recordings where everything hits right. It is not only brilliant (and wonderfully dated) but it's also the type of record even your non-jazz friends can snap and tap to. The combo of hard bop and soul jazz is infectious. Right from the opening title track, Lou and Co. set a groove and take us on a compelling sonic hang. George Benson's guitar and the tasty ...
read moreNala Sinephro: Space 1.8
by Joseph Vella
UK-based musician and composer Nala Sinephro's ambient jazz recording is completely captivating. Joined by a refreshing cast of musicians mostly based in the UK, Nala plays pedal harp and keyboards. The sax by Nubya Garcia, James Mollison and Ahnanse help tie it all together. Presented as a suite of pieces that flow seamlessly, the recording builds from soothing motifs into busier, textured melodic movements and then cools down into a wondrous bath of mesmerizing synth. With just her first outing, ...
read moreWho Are The Stars Today?
by Joseph Vella
The other day a friend asked me the all-important question: Who are the new “stars" in jazz today? Some names that came to mind were James Francies, Oded Tzur, and Julian Lage but would I call them “stars" of the music? Technically proficient artists? Yes. Stars? Not sure. Today, there is no shortage of gifted artists of all ilks but does anyone stand apart like Buddy, Freddie, Nina, Herbie, Grover or Eliane? And what about influential bands like ...
read moreJazz in a Snow Globe
by Joseph Vella
One of the greatest gifts of listening to jazz is to simply get lost inside of a track and have it transport you to a state of bliss. These special pieces of music often discovered over time through countless of hours of listening. Like the diamonds of the music, no matter the era or style, they just shine. I like to call these magical gems “Snow Globe Jazz"—these tracks do everything you need for them to do. They're ...
read moreJazz Meets TikTok: Three Artists Share In Their JazzToks
by Joseph Vella
The TikTok social media platform was created in 2017 but it wasn't until 2020, with the help of a global pandemic, that the app really took off. It has amassed tremendous growth with over 100 million active users each month--and that's in the U.S. alone. With the bite-sized video format, TikToks can be hugely engaging, offering artists an accessible way to be seen and heard. While many might dismiss it as only for Gen Z or viral dance ...
read morePhase Dancing: Gottlieb, Wertico, Sanchez—The Art of Drumming in the Pat Metheny Group
by Joseph Vella
It was 1978 when I first heard “Phase Dance" on Bay Area jazz station KJAZ from a new band called the Pat Metheny Group (PMG). The music didn't just blow me away, it also spoke to me on such a deep level. Little did I know, it would stay with me forever. What the PMG did for many of us young, aspiring musicians was to open up new musical vistas that were relevant to the times. It was like they ...
read moreJeff Hamilton
by Joseph Vella
Tom talks with the brilliant drummer Jeff Hamilton. The two discuss how Jeff got started in jazz and then reminisce about the lessons, good times and experiences working and knowing many of the music's greatest legends including Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Buddy Rich and many many more! ...
read moreDoc Severinsen
by Joseph Vella
Tom visits with legendary trumpeter and bandleader Doc Severinsen. The two friends talk about Doc's beginnings on trumpet, early influences, leading the Tonight Show Band with Johnny Carson, and recording the album Brand New Thing that Tom produced with Doc. ...
read moreDonald Fagen
by Joseph Vella
Tom catches up with Steely Dan co-founder Donald Fagen. The two talk about early jazz influences, Walter Becker, Bard College, the origin of Steely Dan, The Nightfly, meeting and working on classic albums Aja and Gaucho and a whole lot more. ...
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