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John Patitucci Trio At The Jazz Forum
by Scott Lichtman
John Patitucci Trio The Jazz Forum Tarrytown, NY February 9, 2024 Elite bassist John Patitucci brought his trio to Tarrytown, NY, on Friday night. Known for his eclectic work over four plus decades with artists including Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and scores of others, Patitucci, pianist David Virelles and drummer Adam Cruz delivered a tight and uplifting set of originals plus a bebop standard. The performance was held at the Jazz Forum, arguably ...
Continue ReadingMartin Sjöstedt & Stockholm Jazz Orchestra: Horizon
by Neil Duggan
The Stockholm Jazz Orchestra has been together since 1984--40 years at this writing. That is quite an achievement. especially in an age where large ensembles make little financial sense. In 1986, Bob Brookmeyer joined the band as a guest, eventually leading to his compositions featuring on their debut album, Dreams (Dragon, 1988). Subsequently, they have played with artists such as Maria Schneider and The Yellowjackets and undertaken numerous worldwide tours. Operating similarly to a jazz collective, all the ...
Continue ReadingKaze: Unwritten
by Doug Collette
Improvised music is an acquired taste, to be sure. But for those who dote on the spontaneous, the liberating sensation that arises from interplay in the moment is nothing less than addictive. In that regard, then, Kaze's fittingly titled Unwritten, a wholly spontaneous piece of work, holds a bounty of fascination. Presenting a formidable challenge to listeners at the very outset of the record, this foursome proffers an initial track, “Thirteen Years," that is just shy of thirty-seven ...
Continue ReadingOne For All: Blueslike
by C. Andrew Hovan
As the timeworn adage goes, sometimes the best things come from situations where one is asked to function in less than ideal circumstances. When you have little time to analyze things and go with pure instincts, there's an air of veracity and spontaneity to the results that is seldom arrived at by any other means. Although the hard bop collective One For Allhas forged a shared identity through regular gigs and a growing catalog of recordings for several labels, including ...
Continue ReadingOne For All: Live at Smoke Vol.1
by C. Andrew Hovan
Aside from the musical fireworks that make the enclosed sides noteworthy, there are additional factors that mark Live at Smoke as a major event. For one thing, this “on location" recording is one of the rare live dates to grace the Criss Cross catalog. Furthermore, it serves as a perfect summation up to this point of One For All's musical fortunes as heard in the same venue that fostered the ensemble's very formation. Back in the mid-'80s, drummer Joe Farnsworth, ...
Continue ReadingSatoko Fujii Tokyo Trio: Jet Black
by Glenn Astarita
Satoko Fuji, a visionary pianist and composer hailing from Japan, has carved a distinct niche for herself in the world of modern jazz. Her unique style and innovative approach to music have garnered acclaim from critics and audiences alike. On her second outing with the Tokyo Trio, comprising herself on piano, Takashi Suguwa on bass, and Ittetsu Takemura on drums, Jet Black shines as a mesmeric and thought-provoking endeavor that explores the depths of human emotion and musical expression.
Continue ReadingZoe Rahman, Jason Adasiewicz, Vilhelm Bromander
by Ludovico Granvassu
Zoe Rahman opens the show with the beautiful writing and arrangements of her latest album, followed by two remarkable recent releases by Jason Adasiewicz. At the end of the set the compelling music of Vilhelm Bromander.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Zoe Rahman “For Love" Colour of Sound (Manushi) 0:16 Host talks 6:33 Jason Adasiewicz “River Blindness" Roy's World (Corbett vs. Dempsey) 8:15 Jason Adasiewicz “The Waltz" Roscoe ...
Continue ReadingFrank Carlberg, Karl Evangelista & Benoit Delbecq
by Maurice Hogue
Thelonious Monk has always been a magnet for jazz pianists. Frank Carlberg's fascination with the mysterious Monk has led to a second recording with his large ensemble. It's called Elegy For Thelonious. San Francisco guitarist Karl Evangelista is one who tends to fly under the radar, but his recent What Else Is There?, recorded in Chicago, with Alexander Hawkins--piano, Tatsu Aoki--bass and Michael Zerang--drums might just change that. French pianist Benoit Delbecq has few peers and the much-awaited Triple Fever ...
Continue ReadingHermon Mehari: American Jazz, Eritrean Echoes
by Nicholas F. Mondello
Award-winning trumpeter, composer and educator Hermon Mehari is a modern day Renaissance Master. Born in the United States of Eritrean parents who were refugees, Mehari has brilliantly crafted a musical presence and branding that melds American jazz and its deep traditions with Eritrean overtones. A true visionary, Mehari has recorded a handful of highly-acclaimed albums, including Asmara (Komos Records, 2022) hosts a live radio show, teaches and tours worldwide as both leader and sideman. He currently resides in Paris, France. ...
Continue ReadingBela Fleck: Rhapsody In Blue
by Doug Collette
It's a long way from India to Broadway, but Bela Fleck makes the journey in high style for Rhapsody in Blue. It follows the altogether exotic As We Speak (Thirty Tigers, 2023), the combination of which further a case for the banjoist/composer/bandleader as an eclectic musical explorer comparable to Pat Metheny. Beginning in the slow-but-sure, occasionally fitful way this album's concept came together, “Rhapsody in Blue (grass)" features seemingly conventional banjo voicings alternated with George Gershwin's inimitable progressions. ...
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