Jazz Articles

Our daily articles are carefully curated by the All About Jazz staff. You can find more articles by searching our website, see what's trending on our popular articles page or read articles ahead of their published dates on our future articles page. Read our daily album reviews.

119

Album Review

Edmund Velasco: The Blues In Me

by Jim Santella
April 1, 2000

The Edmund Velasco Quintet drives hard bop mainstream with class. Their second album, all originals, captures a traditional essence while remaining fresh. The tenor saxophonist and his front line partner, trumpeter Kye Palmer, hand out classic lines as many have done before them these past 50 years. The hard bop quintet instrumentation makes a fine vehicle for mainstream jazz because of its history. But it’s the quality of their music that counts, and Velasco’s unit carries on that tradition well. ...

122

Album Review

George Matoian: Straight Ahead

by Jim Santella
June 1, 1999

Originally from Illinois, tenor saxophonist George Matoian has worked the clubs for 35 years. From Long Beach, California blues bands in smoky joints along the coast, to other Los Angeles area establishments, Matoian has paid his dues. And it shows in his music. Picking up an education along with his experience, the saxophonist has a degree in music from San Diego State University, where he studied with Charles McPherson. Matoian also studied with Rich Matteson at North Texas State University. ...