Articles by Laurel Gross

Peter Bernstein: Peter Bernstein Quartet, Live at Smalls

by Laurel Gross
May 12, 2010

Peter Bernstein is one of the most pleasing and accomplished guitarists around, a must-hear, go-see for fans of straight-ahead jazz with a fresh, of-the-moment feel. A fixture on the New York scene and beyond, Bernstein deserves to be even better-known for his intricately beautiful melodic lines, harmonic sophistication, spot-on improvisation and good taste. Mentored early on by Jim Hall, Bernstein's never been a screamer. He plays quietly and intensely, with confidence, intelligence, elegance and rare sensitivity--all amply ...

Donny McCaslin

by Laurel Gross
April 17, 2010

If saxophonist Donny McCaslin's life were made into a movie, the following 'scene' could be a natural start: A young boy perched on a stool on the bandstand at a California mall. Too young to be let loose to wander, it's an efficient way his working father could keep an eye on the boy and still do his regular Sunday gig playing standards. The grown-up McCaslin--now juggling the delights and rigors of new fatherhood with his career ...

Ben Monder On the Side: Brian Charette & Mika Pohjola

by Laurel Gross
January 17, 2010

Brian CharetteUpsideSteepleChase2009 Mika PohjolaNorthern SunriseBlueMusicGroup2009 There's a reason why, at Ben Monder performances, the guitar geeks sit in the first row. He is an outstanding soloist, inventive improviser and composer of highly original and engaging works featured on several of his own recordings. Monder has also proven himself to be the consummate sideman. ...

Lionel Hampton Centennial

by Laurel Gross
December 12, 2009

Lionel HamptonCentennial CelebrationPablo/Telarc - Concord2009 Lionel Hampton Big BandThe European Concerts, 1953-1954Fremeaux & Associes2009 Lionel HamptonMostly BluesNimbus Records2009

Straight out of the gate, the first three tracks of Centennial Celebration show why Art Tatum is still the greatest and why the artful, entertaining and impressive ...

Stacy Dillard: One & Tarbaby

by Laurel Gross
September 5, 2009

Stacy Dillard One Smalls Records 2009 Stacy DillardTarbaby Imani Records 2009 Saxophonist Stacy Dillard's spirited energy is laced with nuance and intelligence and, while he's not shy of passion or feeling, everything he does is grounded in superb technique and focused and appealing ideas. Listeners who haven't been able to hear Dillard on the ...

Terell Stafford Shares Brotherly Love, Organ Fever

by Laurel Gross
May 9, 2009

Clayton BrothersBrother to Brother ArtistShare 2008 Tim WarfieldOne for Shirley Criss Cross 2008 Playing favorites can be a subjective enterprise but it would take a real grouch to insist that Terell Stafford isn't one of the most talented of the current crop of trumpeters. Stafford's got 'it'--excellent tone, good ideas, precision, focus, drive and ...

Tom Harrell: Boundless Beauty

by Laurel Gross
May 1, 2009

Tom Harrell is an exceptional musician, known for his exquisite playing on trumpet and flugelhorn as well as for the many lyrical melodies, expressive harmonies and undeniably beautiful music he has composed for some 40 years and, happily, counting. Many famous colleagues, orchestras and big bands have recorded his original compositions and arrangements and among jazz aficionados, Harrell's history is as well known as his gifts. He has distinguished himself as a performer with many renowned groups and legendary artists ...