Jazz Articles

Toshiko Akiyoshi: Hiroshima: Rising From The Abyss

by AAJ Staff
October 12, 2003

Composer, bandleader and pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi has tucked yet another significant feather into her cap with Hiroshima. Her new CD was recorded live at the composition's debut performance in its namesake city on August 6th, 2001, the 56th anniversary of that fateful 1945 day.The 15-minute first movement of the emotional three-part suite begins with “Futility," a seasonal blowing of reeds and brass. Swirling leaves touch ground then take flight. Flutes and reeds join the brass horns as the ...

The Drummonds: Pas de Trois

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
July 25, 2003

The wonderful Renee Rosnes doesn't record nearly enough; she's done seven albums since she signed with Blue Note in the late '80s for her self-titled debut. Pas de Trois, credited to the two Drummonds (Ray and Billy) in the rhythm section and conceived by überproducer Todd Barkan, is on True Life Jazz; its original Japanese title was Letter to Evans because so many of the tunes were associated with Bill. The recording was intended to reproduce the feel of a ...

Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra: Hiroshima

by Jim Santella
March 3, 2003

Dedicated to the memory of a city that experienced the unfathomable horrors of war in 1945, Toshiko Akiyoshi’s extended work for big band sizzles. There’s a lesson here for all mankind. In the early movements of her suite, everything’s all right. The band swings with its usual Monday night balance and tips its hat to one soloist after another. Few big bands carry on the tradition as well.

Then comes the tragedy, and everything changes for a ...

The Drummonds: Pas De Trois

by Jim Santella
March 2, 2003

Would your spouse make a suitable partner for what you do to make a living? Could you have a cooperative and professional association in your day job, and still keep your lifelong marriage relationship alive and healthy?

”Come on, honey, let’s go to lunch with the boss again today at his favorite greasy spoon.”

”Can you cancel your three o’clock meeting this afternoon in order to cover for me at our other establishment in New Jersey? ...