Jazz Articles

Stephan Oliva: Miroirs

by John Kelman
November 17, 2006

Far too many artists retread the balding tires of the Great American Songbook. Pianist Stephan Oliva's Miroirs, a pleasant exception to this rule, shows that it's still possible to breathe fresh air into songs that have been recorded hundreds of times. On this series of ten duets with five guest artists, Oliva's approach is understated and dark. Still, he traverses a broad emotional landscape, from bleak to beautiful.

Sounding more subdued than usual, Linda Sharrock opens the set with a ...

Marc Copland / Bill Carrothers: No Choice

by John Kelman
August 15, 2006

Dual-piano recordings pose a distinct challenge. Given the instrument's range, how do two players work together and avoid clashing? Marc Copland and Bill Carrothers provide one answer on No Choice, an album of primarily jazz standards, plus one free improv piece and a remarkable look at a classic Neil Young tune.

With Carrothers on the left channel and Copland on the right, it's easy enough to distinguish their voices. Both pianists possess the kind of listening skills that allow them ...

Jean-Philippe Viret: L'Indicible

by John Kelman
January 16, 2006

The excitement of an encounter between musicians who have never worked together can often make for unexpected magic. Still, there's much to be said for the evolving chemistry of longstanding collaborations. While French bassist Jean-Philippe Viret works extensively in Europe with artists like pianist Bill Carrothers and drummer Daniel Humair, his seven year-old trio with pianist Edouard Ferlet and drummer Antoine Banville evidences his true mettle. The group's two fine records for the now-defunct Sketch label--2000's Considérations and 2002's Étant ...