Jazz Articles about Aaron Kimmel

About Aaron Kimmel

Album Review

The history of modern jazz contains only a handful of bass players who have both led their own groups and been visionary in their compositions and approach. Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Jaco Pastorius and Christian McBride are those who come to mind. With the release of his 10th album, Unjust, Ben Wolfe shows he belongs in that group. Wolfe began his musical career as a classical bassist and studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in ...

Album Review

Bruce Harris: Soundview

Read "Soundview" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
July 1, 2021

Cory Weeds, who is the executive producer of Soundview, is also the major domo behind The Cellar Music Group. This Vancouver, B.C. entity is committed to providing black artists with the opportunity to record and showcase their talent under the guidance of well-known trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. This initial release features trumpeter Bruce Harris and provides him with the launch pad to pay tribute to his family and community in the Bronx.Accompanied by pianist Sullivan Fortner, bassist David Wong, ...

Album Review

Uptown Jazz Tentet: What's Next

Read "What's Next" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
November 20, 2020

A tentet is a rather strange bird; too large to be labeled a small group, yet too small to be counted as a big band, it resides somewhere near the edges, mapping out its own musical profile. Some may rate that an asset, while others may deem it a mere hybrid, unworthy of their consideration. Wiser auditors, however, most often reserve judgment, preferring to take an impartial stance and allow the music to speak for itself. And that is where ...

Album Review

Uptown Jazz Tentet: What's Next

Read "What's Next" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
November 13, 2020

New York-based trombonist Willie Applewhite birthed the idea of forming a new big band comprised of friends, and in 2016 The Uptown Jazz Tentet was established, co-led by trumpeter Brandon Lee and trombonist James Burton III. After playing to live audiences for several years, What's Next is the group's debut recording, and what an outing it is. Grounded in the traditions of the Billy Strayhorn, Gill Evans, Duke Ellington big bands and others, as large ensembles go, these ten players ...

Album Review

Frank Basile / Sam Dillon Quintet: 2 Part Solution

Read "2 Part Solution" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
August 30, 2020

If recent albums serve as an accurate guidepost, hard bop is making a broad and most welcome comeback. In the wake of high-octane albums by Adam Shulman, Gary Dudzienski, Cory Weeds (who doubles as producer-in-chief at Cellar Records), Marshal Herridge, the TNEK Jazz Quintet, Jerry Bergonzi, Keith Oxman, John Sneider and others comes 2 Part Solution, an old-school fire-breathing session whose front line consists of tenor saxophonist Sam Dillon and baritone saxophonist Frank Basile. Any doubts about ...

Album Review

Frank Basile: 2 Part Solution

Read "2 Part Solution" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
August 28, 2020

One might have expected there would be a plethora of baritone sax / tenor sax recordings following the standout 1959 Verve release Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster. Not so, although the two principals were involved in a follow-up album in 1960 for HiFi Jazz entitled Jimmy Witherspoon With Mulligan and Webster at The Renaissance. The Frank Basile / Sam Dillon Quintet recording 2 Part Solution is a bit of a throwback to this earlier period, but is unlikely to be ...