Jazz Articles

Linda Presgrave: Inspiration

by Woodrow Wilkins
February 23, 2009

Often, musicians will put together a collection of songs that honor an era, style or lead instrument. Pianist Linda Presgrave's Inspiration pays tribute to some influential women who helped lay the foundation for herself and other jazz artists. The collection features 10 songs written by Presgrave and other female artists. The pianist, composer and arranger is accompanied by Harvie S on bass and Allison Miller on drums, with husband/producer Stan Chovnick playing soprano sax on several tracks, and ...

Todd Herbert: The Path to Infinity

by Christopher Shoe
July 19, 2007

If there is one thing done right on this album, it is the entourage of musicians that join tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert: pianists George Colligan and David Hazeltine, bassists Dwayne Burno and John Webber and drummers Darrin Becket and Joe Farnsworth. Herbert's two groups add an irreplaceable touch to the album. Their distinct personal talent and sensible musicality make Herbert shine. The Path to Infinity has an abundance of titles that lean towards the idea of the ...

Todd Herbert: The Path to Infinity

by Jerry D'Souza
July 16, 2007

Tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert got his first big break with the Charles Earland Quartet. He was also a member of the Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. He moved to New York in 1997, played with Tom Harrell and Jimmy Cobb, and led his own groups. It was a stint with Freddie Hubbard that led to this CD. Hubbard called Stan Chovnick, the president of Metropolitan Records and asked him to listen to Herbert's music.

Herbert has enough ideas up his horn ...

Linda Presgrave: The Journey

by Terrell Kent Holmes
June 2, 2006

When Linda Presgrave toured with members of the International Women in Jazz ensemble a few years ago, the experience inspired her to explore and highlight works by female jazz musicians. The Journey is the result of that inspiration, a multifaceted work that not only honors the contributions that women have made to the idiom, but also showcases her own talents as a pianist, composer and arranger. The original title cut, an introspective tune whose theme recalls “Naima," ...

Falkner Evans: Level Playing Field

by Dave Nathan
October 1, 2002

One of the pleasures of being allowed to review jazz CDs is the opportunity to get a chance to listen to the debut albums of younger artists with uncommon talents. Such is the case with New York pianist/composer Falkner Evans, transplanted from Oklahoma. You get your kicks from two distinct but related lines. The first is how each newcomer to the piano scene reminds one of the influences of the great performers who shaped how the instrument and the music ...