Jazz Articles

Joe Locascio Trio: In The City Of Lost Things

by Glenn Astarita
October 12, 2007

Houston-based jazz pianist Joe Locascio has performed with many luminaries over the years. As a solo artist, he's released some of the more distinctive albums steeped within the piano trio format. In The City Of Lost Things may signal his finest recorded hour. Simply stated, Locascio plays all the right notes. Consisting of swirling chord clusters, fluid single note runs and tuneful melodies, the pianist and his crack rhythm section skirt that rather opaque division between mainstream and progressive jazz ...

The Joe LoCascio Trio: Close to So Far

by Jack Bowers
June 1, 2002

I must have reviewed too many piano trio albums recently. Here’s another one, led by pianist Joe LoCascio, and I’m thinking as I test the water, yeah, it’s nicely played so why am I unmoved by it? But wait a minute; here’s a number with promise — the title track, “Close to So Far.” That one really swings! Inspired playing by LoCascio, inflexible support from bassist John Adams and drummer Tim Solook. Things may be looking up. The folk–like “For ...

Joe LoCascio Trio: Close To So Far

by Mark F. Turner
April 12, 2002

Amidst an ocean of sparkling musicians it’s refreshing to find solitaires that have an inner glow. Joe LoCascio’s accomplished voice shines through with keen light on his latest recording entitled Close to So Far. The now resident Texan with New York roots has recorded with the likes of Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and Hank Crawford and is still creating music that is of the here and now. He posesses a lyrical voice on piano that swells with musical depth. His ...

Doug Hall Quartet: JiHi

by Glenn Astarita
March 1, 2002

Texas has become a jazz hotbed - partly due to the excellent curriculum provided by North Texas State University, and a thriving arts scene. However, Dallas native, Doug Hall’s early musical training was firmly rooted in the classical idiom while performing with the Dallas Symphony at the tender age of fourteen. With his second release, recorded in New York City, Hall shines as a pianist/composer who has quite a bit to say.

The pianist and his New York based affiliates ...

Doug Hall Quartet: JiHi

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 2002

Texas has become a jazz hotbed - partly due to the excellent curriculum provided by North Texas State University, and a thriving arts scene. However, Dallas native, Doug Hall’s early musical training was firmly rooted in the classical idiom while performing with the Dallas Symphony at the tender age of fourteen. With his second release, recorded in New York City, Hall shines as a pianist/composer who has quite a bit to say.

The pianist and his New York based affiliates ...

Elias Haslanger: Kicks Are For Kids

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 1999

Young Austin, Texas based saxophonist Elias Haslanger has received a good deal of praise since his arrival on the jazz scene. Haslanger’s sure fire attack coupled with references to Trane, Webster and Rollins serves up a recipe for acute jazz literacy while displaying characteristics that indicates maturity and individualism. Haslanger utilizes the services of the estimable pianist-educator Ellis Marsalis on two tracks and is backed by a good solid band throughout. The attitude conveyed on “Kicks Are For Kids” rekindles ...