Articles by Kyle Simpler
Dave Stryker: Blue Fire - The Van Gelder Session
by Kyle Simpler
Many of Dave Stryker's recent albums focus on a particular idea or concept that serves as the recording's focal point. His Eight Track series (Strikezone 2013-2019) and Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies (Strikezone, 2025) serve as prime examples. With Blue Fire -The Van Gelder Session, the guitarist steps into the studio of legendary producer Rudy Van Gelder--literally--and he is right at home with this project. The Van Gelder studio produced some of the most memorable albums ...
Continue ReadingRamiro Zayas: FAMILIA feat. Basel Jazz Orchestra
by Kyle Simpler
Sometimes our friends and associates form some of the strongest bonds, sometimes closer than actual relatives. In this light, the concept of a familial bond is not solely limited to blood relationships. Argentine pianist and composer Ramiro Zayas is fully aware of this, and on Familia, he approaches the musician ensemble as an extended family. Written for and recorded with the Basel Jazz Orchestra, the album builds on this idea. This is a musical community shaped by collaboration, mentorship, influence, ...
Continue ReadingDan Bruce: The Architects
by Kyle Simpler
Sometimes, an in-the-pocket groove is just what the doctor ordered, and guitarist Dan Bruce delivers with The Architects. The album marks the debut of Ohm!, a power trio led by Bruce alongside bassist Jordan McBride and drummer Gabe Jones. Known for his work with :beta collective, Bruce pares things down here, exchanging a larger ensemble for groove-centered immediacy and resulting in an album that balances soulful rhythms with thoughtful experimentation. The spotlight falls squarely on grooves that sit somewhere ...
Continue ReadingRalph "Bigfoot" Hamilton: The Lost Legend Behind Two Guitar Pioneers
by Kyle Simpler
Nowadays, every move we make is recorded in some way, and wherever a person goes, whatever they do or say is often captured. Of course, this has not always been the case, and in fact, many details concerning historical events frequently rely on speculation based on the evidence at hand. This is undoubtedly the case with many blues and jazz musicians during the early twentieth century, such as Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker, two of the most influential ...
Continue ReadingKyle Simpler's Best Jazz Albums Of 2025
by Kyle Simpler
As I was preparing my selections, the line, “He's making a list and checking it twice," from “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" kept running through my head. It turned out to be a pretty accurate description of my process. Well, other than the fact that I have no interest in finding out who was naughty or nice. Instead, I was trying to figure out which 2025 albums resonated most with me. That may sound like an easy ...
Continue ReadingGlenn Crytzer: The Songbook Sessions (Volume 1, 1920)
by Kyle Simpler
Peter DeVries once wrote that “nostalgia ain't what it used to be," and this is certainly true when it comes to music. The greater the time distance, the harder it is to maintain authenticity. As a result, recreating music from the past might come across as something gimmicky or disingenuous with some performers. However, this is not the case with guitarist Glenn Crytzer. With The Songbook Sessions Vol. 1, he brings early twentieth-century repertoire back to life with an authenticity ...
Continue ReadingDavid Broza and Omer Avital: Brozajazz: Paris Alhambra
by Kyle Simpler
When jazz fusion comes to mind, the default association is generally jazz-rock. But fusion is far more expansive, as Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza proves on BrozaJazz: Paris Alhambra. Here, Broza's lifelong love of jazz meets Mediterranean, flamenco and folk traditions, all brought together in an intimate acoustic jazz setting. Broza's affinity for jazz began early. As a child, he absorbed the sounds of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker while his aunt painted in her ...
Continue ReadingCody McCorry: We Used to Cut the Grass #2
by Kyle Simpler
When a band lists Frank Zappa, John Zorn and Sun Ra as some of its major influences, you think you know what to expect. Or do you? That is the question, and Asbury Park, New Jersey composer and bassist Cody McCorry answers it on We Used to Cut the Grass #2. Rather than trying to imitate the influences, McCorry uses them as the foundation for something that comes across as jazz fusion blended with contemporary classical, with a dash of ...
Continue ReadingAtlantis Quartet: Live at Berlin
by Kyle Simpler
Since arriving on the scene in 2006, the Minneapolis-based Atlantis Quartet has established itself as a vital voice in modern jazz. With five albums already under their belt, the group continues to honor tradition while exploring new sonic territory. Live at Berlin captures their remarkable group chemistry during an engagement at the city's newest jazz venue, Berlin. Atlantis Quartet features four of Minnesota's most exciting jazz musicians: saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Chris Bates and drummer ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Although the main Record Store Day event occurs every year in April, the Black Friday drop gives record collectors a chance to find some one-of-a-kind releases to wrap up the year. The list always features music from a wide range of genres, and, of course, there are plenty of jazz releases available. However, these are limited-edition releases offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking the list of available titles beforehand is always helpful, but given the number of titles, it's ...
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