Jazz Articles

Josie Falbo: You Must Believe in Spring

by Howard Mandel
February 28, 2023

The first moments of Josie Falbo's You Must Believe in Spring sweep us into a lush soundscape, through a cinematic introduction, up close and intimately to her marvelous voice. Her voice is full, rich and pure top to bottom, fluid and shapely as anything imaginable, imparting true faith into lyrics valuing a lifetime's experience, acceptance, appreciation and hope. Josie Falbo gives voice to a heartening message, that like all 13 selections here issue sincerely from the glorious musical gifts she ...

George Freeman: Everybody Say Yeah!

by Mark Corroto
May 8, 2022

It took a long time (much too long) for listeners to recognize the brilliance that was Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson. The New York-centric jazz cognoscenti have often overlooked talent that comes from Chicago, and artists were often drawn to The Big Apple to seek the recognition they deserved. Beginning in the '90s, though, the focal point of creative music shifted to Chicago and veteran musicians such as Von Freeman, Fred Anderson, and Harrison Bankhead, plus (then) younger talents, Ken Vandermark, ...

Joanie Pallatto: My Original Plan

by Jack Bowers
April 28, 2021

"Give my new disc a spin," Chicago-based vocalist Joanie Pallatto e-mailed. “I think you'll like it." That was more than twenty years ago, and Pallatto was right. That album, Words & Music (Southport Records, 1999), was splendid, as was Pallatto, reciting memorable lyrics by Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwin brothers, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Hoagy Carmichael, Bob Dorough and others. It's now 2021 and Pallatto has recorded another “new disc," My Original Plan, on which she sings as well as ever. ...

George Freeman/Chico Freeman: All In The Family

by Dan Bilawsky
July 16, 2015

There are few things more quintessentially “Chicago" in jazz than the Freeman family. Tenor titan Von Freeman ruled the roost in The Windy City decade after decade until his death in 2012; his brother, George Freeman, played with everybody from saxophonist Charlie Parker to organist Shirley Scott; his other brother, the late Eldridge “Bruz" Freeman, was part of the house band at the Pershing and the drummer in Hampton Hawes' quartet with Jim Hall; and Von's son, saxophonist Chico Freeman, ...

Fred Anderson: Black Horn Long Gone

by Francis Lo Kee
June 8, 2010

Fred Anderson is one of today's most powerful and singular saxophonists. Recorded in 1993, this trio (with bassist Malachi Favors and drummer Ajaramu--aka AJ Shelton--who have both since passed away) flies blissfully to new heights for piano-less sax trios. To call Anderson a member of the free jazz movement produces an incomplete picture. His technical facility and penchant for swinging is more influenced by Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Charlie Parker. Even an unaccompanied solo homage, “Ode To Clifford Jordan," ...

The Miyumi Project: re: Rooted

by Jim Santella
July 5, 2007

Double bassist Tatsu Aoki leads this avant-garde ensemble in a program of creative improvised music that reflects the roots of Asian/American jazz. The instrumental timbres that he's chosen to augment this saxophone and percussion ensemble provide distinctive colors. Aoki's big, booming bass leads the way while huge taiko drums manage the session's rhythmic foundation.

The use of violin and shinobue (a Japanese flute) reaches back into tradition to instill a unique flavor. Thus, modern jazz receives an influx ...

Bradley Parker-Sparrow: Shut Eye

by Jim Santella
October 23, 2006

Bradley Parker-Sparrow's music for the film Shut Eye provides the kind of emotion that enhances each scene appropriately: moody blues and seamless shadows, along with an energetic drive to support the film's characters. With vocalist Joanie Pallatto and trumpeter Bobby Lewis, he creates a dark, mysterious framework. Sparrow's piano gently caresses each melody when the scene requires it, and pushes hard and actively at other times. Intrigue and tension come hand in hand with romantic smiles.

Sparrow and ...

Harold Fethe: Out of Nowhere

by Jim Santella
July 2, 2006

Swing is the thing on this debut session from guitarist Harold Fethe. As one who's never lost his love for the Great American Songbook and its lyrical surprises, he's at home with his musical partners on this date: Johnny Frigo (violin), Joe Vito (piano, acoordion) and Jim Cox (bass). Together, they have a good time celebrating the memories.

Take the 'A' Train is converted into a stiff waltz that turns corny in its merry-go-round interpretation. “You Are My ...

Bobby Lewis: Instant Groove

by Jerry D'Souza
April 28, 2006

Bobby Lewis' recurring theme in speaking about the music here is of the “instant groove. Lewis is right in drawing attention to the idea, for that groove is not a myth. To bring it home all the more conclusively, Lewis uses various lineups and gives these compositions their due, all of which makes for a recording that is entertaining on several levels.

The ripple effects of a heady tune are felt as the guitar and horns greet “Morning, which the ...

Bobby Schiff: Late Game

by Jerry D'Souza
April 24, 2006

Bobby Schiff made this debut as a leader at sixty, after having played on several projects for other musicians over the years. Late Game also gave him the opportunity to play with Stewart Miller and Chuck Christiansen, with whom he has a warm empathy, and to open up his love for Brazilian music and strings. He also added some of his favourite standards.

Schiff wrote two tunes. “Wonder Bop is snap-happy, with Schiff showing his gift for melodic ...