Jazz Articles

Nicholas Hoffman: Jazzy's Dance

by Dave Nathan
January 1, 2001

A native Chicagoan now living on the West Coast, this is guitarist Nicholas Hoffman's second album. But his Chicago roots have followed him to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. While in the Windy City, Hoffman was influenced by those who played on the blues sides, especially sax men Von Freeman and Bunky Green. Hoffman returns to Chicago to record this program of ten tunes which includes one of his originals and one by his wife, Debra Chang.

The session ...

Ricky Ford: [Balaena]

by C. Michael Bailey
September 1, 2000

Heldentenor Veteran Tenorist Rick Ford debuts of Jazz Friends with a solid live set supported by a truly all-star rhythm section of George Cables; Cecil McBee, and Ed Thigpen. This release is made up of mostly extended pieces where Ford shows his depth and breadth form Dexter Gordon passing through Sonny Rollins on his way to John Coltrane. “Pie Crust" encompasses all in on piece. Equal adept in the blues and ballads, Ford hones his chops in both venues. George ...

Ricky Ford Quartet: Balaena

by AAJ Staff
May 1, 2000

Ricky Ford is a gifted, if underrated veteran tenor saxophonist who has been making records for some twenty-five years now. He carries forth the tenor tradition with a big sound reminiscent of Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, but with a style that employs harmony and meter in such a way that distinguishes him from his predecessors. This CD, entitled Balaena , finds Ford heading an excellent quartet featuring George Cables, Cecil McBee, and Ed Thigpen. Recorded live in Paris last ...