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Jazz Articles about Altin Sencalar
Something Blue: In The Beginning
by Michael Ambrosino
Jazz is powered by many things. Perhaps most notably, the expansive variety of independent record labels representing some of the more inspiring aspirations of the idiom. Reflecting the grit, passion and often sheer audacity to exist within an industry that makes little room for jazz, independent labels have established an expanse of music that exemplifies the very essence of the art form. For the past 30 years, Posi-Tone Records has championed this independent spirit, shining a light on a rich ...
Continue ReadingAltin Sencalar: Unleashed
by C. Andrew Hovan
Often overshadowed by other solo instruments, the trombone boasts a rich history in jazz--one so vast it could fill volumes. New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, also gave rise to Kid Ory, a pioneer of the “tailgate" style of trombone playing. In the early 1900s, bandleaders often promoted their shows by parading through town on horse-drawn wagons. Trombonists, needing space to extend their instrument's slide, would sit at the back on the open tailgate, projecting their bold, brassy sound into ...
Continue ReadingAltin Sencalar: Unleashed
by Altin Sencalar
Unleashed is an album that captures my overall headspace as an individual. This year I turned 30 years old and welcomed my firstborn child into the world, John Altin Sencalar. Two major milestones in any person's life, but especially mine this year. Unleashed represents my playing, my personality, and my overall attitude towards my career development. When thinking about this album, I take many chances that I would not have done in the past specifically playing the trombone in an ...
Continue ReadingAltin Sencalar: In Good Standing
by David A. Orthmann
In many ways, In Good Standing is a jazz aficionado's dream. Trombonist, composer, and arranger Altin Sencalar's inaugural disc as a leader for Posi-Tone encourages granular, analytical consideration. It is worthwhile to pause and think about the details of inspired performances, ponder the efficacy of Sencalar's original compositions and interpretations of gems penned by jazz giants, and contemplate the numerous examples of his band's esprit de corps. Conversely, it would be a shame to only concentrate on these things and ...
Continue ReadingSomething Blue: Personal Preference
by David A. Orthmann
Marc Free produced the second edition of Something Blue to encourage “a wider audience of new listeners" to jazz by presenting “a focused program of concise performances to provide maximum enjoyment." These goals are congruent with Free's trust in his artists. The eleven tracks of Personal Preference do not smack of compromise or a nebulous artistic focus. Free has assembled a band of players with ties to the label who boldly stride through the bop/hard bop/post-bop continuum, utilizing elements from ...
Continue ReadingKerry Moffit: What Goes Around Comes Around
by Richard J Salvucci
Kerry Moffit's reputation in trumpet circles preceded him long before this recording. Like so many “you ought to hear this guy" types, one discounts friendships, hangs, boosters, and all the rest. Moffit, however, is “as advertised." There are quite a few people with underground reputations. Moffit's should be above ground. Listening to him, you might think, “ok, Tom Harrell," but then nobody is Tom Harrell except Tom Harrell. So, you are stuck for superlatives. As a player and composer, Moffit ...
Continue ReadingKerry Moffit: What Goes Around Comes Around
by Nicholas F. Mondello
The karmic reference of the subtitle of this recording gives the impression that there's a surprise lurking somewhere in trumpeter/composer/arranger Kerry Moffit's jazz bag of tricks. The album, Moffit's first release after his spending decades starring in a U.S. Air Force band, is a superb presentation of jazz classics and originals. With this fine offering the perfect circle is formed--old and new, flowing in both directions. Moffit and crew launch things tastefully vintage with a cool take ...
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