Articles by Paul Ryan

Brad Goode: Hypnotic Suggestion

by Paul Ryan
October 26, 2006

This well-programmed set of originals and standards showcases Brad Goode's first-rate trumpet playing. On the opening title track, Goode enters mysteriously in his solo, before darting around and interacting deftly with the rhythm section, particularly drummer Dana Hall.

The rhythm section, comprised of Hall, pianist Adrean Farrugia (whose advanced harmonic conception and lyricism recalls Herbie Hancock) and bassist Kelly Sill, shifts gears seamlessly on Thelonious Monk's “Bemsha Swing. The rhythmic juxtaposition is excellent, especially during Farrugia's spot. Goode's ...

Jerry Bergonzi: Tenor of the Times

by Paul Ryan
September 18, 2006

This effort from tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi offers little in the way of new ideas or creativity. He seems mired in the world of John Coltrane, in many instances replicating the master's phrasing and sound. The instrumentation of the album is also the same as Coltrane's classic quartet (tenor, piano, bass, and drums). To compare the two groups would be silly, however, given that the latter unit cut its albums over four decades ago.

“You're My Everything," the ...

Russ Kassoff: Somewhere

by Paul Ryan
August 29, 2006

It has been a long time coming, but at the age of 52, Russ Kassoff has finally released his first album as a leader. Somewhere is split almost evenly between solo piano and trio tracks (plus one duo tune).

From the first plaintive notes of “Look For The Silver Lining, Kassoff's lyricism and brilliantly executed melodic lines shine through. Bassist Martin Wind matches the leader's lyrical quality, especially in his nimble excursion on “Somewhere. During a particularly engaging ...

McCoy Tyner Trio in Tune With One Another

by Paul Ryan
July 25, 2006

McCoy Tyner Trio 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival Manitoba Theatre Center June 22, 2006

McCoy Tyner brought his trio to town and they did not disappoint an enthusiastic Winnipeg crowd. Along with bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt, Tyner showed why he is still one of the best pianists in improvised music. His group as a whole also demonstrated a sense of cohesiveness and interaction that is hard to find.

The ...

Molly Johnson Offers Winnipeggers an Eclectic Mix of Music

by Paul Ryan
July 23, 2006

Molly Johnson 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival McPhillips Street Station June 25, 2006

Looking very elegant in a shimmering knee-length skirt, matching high heels, and white tank top, vocalist Molly Johnson delighted a sold-out crowd on the final day of the 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival.

Johnson may not be a familiar name to American jazz fans, but she is well-known in her native country and is quite popular in France.

She began ...

Bobby Hutcherson Displays Both Virtuosity and Wit at the 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival

by Paul Ryan
July 12, 2006

Bobby Hutcherson Quartet Jazz Winnipeg Festival Manitoba Theatre Centre June 21, 2006

Bobby Hutcherson has proven himself to be a consistently brilliant musician for over forty years. The vibraphonist brought his quartet to town last week as part of the Jazz Winnipeg Festival. Not surprisingly, they performed admirably.

The show began with “Pomponio, a harmonically static tune with a Latin tinge. Following the conclusion of the piece, Hutcherson introduced his ensemble and raised ...

SF Jazz Collective: SF Jazz Collective 2

by Paul Ryan
May 24, 2006

The SF Jazz Collective's second Nonesuch release focuses on the compositions of John Coltrane, with a few originals thrown into the mix. Despite the fact that this ensemble has so many “stars, its cohesiveness as a unit is palpable. No one seems to steal the spotlight, although certain musicians are featured on specific tunes.

Bobby Hutcherson's vibes take center stage on Coltrane's classic “Naima, after a beautifully voiced ensemble introduction. Hutcherson's intonation is impeccable and his technical prowess ...

Christian Scott: Rewind That

by Paul Ryan
May 6, 2006

The future of the trumpet in jazz appears to be in able hands. Wynton Marsalis may now be a veteran, but he's still relatively young at 44; the same can be said of Roy Hargrove, eight years his junior. Nicholas Payton has many releases under his own name and is a sought-after sideman, for example with Greg Osby and the SF Jazz Collective. Dave Douglas' career has been widely documented and, for what it's worth, he has received numerous awards ...

Taylor Eigsti: Lucky To Be Me

by Paul Ryan
May 5, 2006

To play with veteran jazzmen like Christian McBride and Lewis Nash at the tender age of 21, you have to have both talent and a good dose of confidence. Pianist Taylor Eigsti possesses both of these traits and then some, as his first album on Concord, Lucky To Be Me, indicates.

McBride and Nash accompany Eigsti on bass and drums, respectively, on half of the album's twelve tracks. Sometimes the trio is augmented by Julian Lage's guitar, and ...

Eddie Daniels: Mean What You Say

by Paul Ryan
April 25, 2006

Only a handful of clarinetists on today's jazz scene can be described as truly accomplished on the instrument, and Eddie Daniels is one of them. On Mean What You Say he is joined by two former Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra bandmates, Hank Jones and Richard Davis, on piano and bass, respectively. Rounding out this formidable group is drummer Kenny Washington, who takes few solos but complements the playing of his cohorts admirably.

Daniels also plays tenor saxophone on ...