Jazz Articles about Art Hirahara

About Art Hirahara

Radio & Podcasts

Jazz Diversity Through Six New Album

by Bob Osborne
September 29, 2022

The rich diversity of modern jazz is examined through six great new releases from Art Hirahara, Marco Pacassoni Trio, Eric Vloeimans with Will Holshouser, Nicolas Politzer, Charu Suri and Playfield.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Art Hirahara “Danza Por Arte" from Verdant Valley (Posi-tone) 00:48 Marco Pacassoni Trio “Time Vibes" from Life (Giotto Music) 08:40 Eric Vloeimans, Will Holshouser “Tibi Gracias" from Two For The Road (V—Flow/Challenge Records) 15:16 Nicolas Politzer “Sitio" from Será Niebla (ears&eyes) 23:07 Charu Suri “Nature ...

Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
July 16, 2022

Who knew “Del Sasser" had lyrics? Part of the joy of listening to new recordings is finding such things out. And Vicki Burns does a convincing job of it. In this intriguing compilation of standards--yes, musicians can record from the Great American Songbook (GAS) without disgracing themselves, no matter what anyone says--bop heads and originals, Vicki Burns acquits herself admirably. She is solid evidence that the singer makes the song, rather than the other way around. ...

Album Review

Vicki Burns: Lotus Blossom Days

Read "Lotus Blossom Days" reviewed by Jeff Winbush

by Jeff Winbush
July 10, 2022

Whatever else can be said about jazz, there is little disagreement that it is best experienced in a live setting. Listening to Vicki Burns' Lotus Blossom Days is as close to a front-row seat in a New York nightclub as many of us are likely to get in these times of high fuel costs and crowded airports. Burns is not attempting to blow the roof off with vocal gyrations and tricks. She never oversings as she tries to ...

Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
April 7, 2022

Bassist Boris Kozlov, pianist Art Hirahara and drummer Rudy Royston often operate as the rhythm section on sessions for the venerable Posi-Tone Records imprint. Regardless of the leader they are serving, they deliver a coherent foundation and frequently extend themselves beyond the parameters of a conservative, strictly supportive role. In short, it is never predictable what they—collectively and individually—will do next, yet the wheels never fall off, and the music is the better for their dazzling, spontaneous flights. Some of ...

Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by Kyle Simpler

by Kyle Simpler
January 31, 2022

Bass players don't always get the recognition they deserve. While it's easy to see their importance in the rhythm section, they aren't always the first instrument that comes to mind when it comes to the spotlight. There are exceptions, of course, and Boris Kozlov definitely fits into this category. His Posi-Tone debut, First Things First, highlights his skills not only as a player, but also as a composer and bandleader as well. Anyone familiar with the Posi-Tone catalog ...

Album Review

Boris Kozlov: First Things First

Read "First Things First" reviewed by John Chacona

by John Chacona
January 30, 2022

During the early days of pandemic-induced isolation, old folkways and techniques suddenly became new again (remember the shortages of baking yeast and canning supplies?). The old ways are nothing new at Posi-Tone records, which has maintained an unflagging allegiance to swing, juicy melodies and fiery playing. Those qualities, all present on bassist Boris Kozlov's First Things First, situate this recording firmly within Posi-Tone's house style, one that calls back to the glory days of Blue Note Records. So, it's no ...

Album Review

Farnell Newton: Feel The Love

Read "Feel The Love" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
December 18, 2021

Posi-Tone Records produces coherent projects and maintains high standards in part by keeping things in-house; that is, frequently drawing on a substantial roster of affiliated artists to serve on a particular leader's record. A case in point is Feel The Love, Farnell Newton's third release for the label. While Newton's measured, concise, full-toned trumpet stylings and five, melodically rich compositions are a large part of the record's appeal, there are other factors that stand out. By turns ...