Jazz Articles

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Justin Janer: Following Signs

by Bruce Lindsay
June 12, 2010

Following Signs, saxophonist Justin Janer's debut as leader, is an assured recording. Janer leads a tight and disciplined quintet through seven original tunes and a cover of Bob Hilliard and Sammy Fain's “Alice in Wonderland," displaying his craft and individuality as a player and composer. Musical high spots arise from the interplay between Janer's alto and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire's exciting and often fierce playing. Both Janer and Akinmusire clearly enjoy working at the upper reaches of their ...

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Justin Janer: Following Signs

by Dan Bilawsky
May 16, 2010

While people might want to pigeonhole alto saxophonist Justin Janer as a Latin jazz player, Following Signs paints him as a musician and composer with a broad outlook that goes past generic stylistic markers. Janer occupied the lead alto chair when percussionist Bobby Sanabria delivered the goods with the Manhattan School of Music's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra on Kenya Revisited Live!!! (Jazzheads Records, 2009). Janer's work on that project--ranging from explosive soloing to a more measured approach--resulted in his being named ...

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Justin Janer: Following Signs

by Mark Corroto
May 16, 2010

If jazz radio had a hit singles chart, then “Bright New Day" from alto saxophonist Justin Janer's debut album, Following Signs, would be climbing towards number one with a bullet. The infectious opening track, penned by Janer, is a honeyed melody that ladles mellowed bop over a gorgeous harmony. Janer's saxophone is braided with trumpet sensation Ambrose Akinmusire's horn to form music that is, indeed, infectiously easy on the ears.

This majestic session by the 25 year-old West ...