Jazz Articles about Azure McCall

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Manny Kellough: Speaking of Jazz (East to West Coast)

by Richard J Salvucci
December 22, 2021

If you are looking for some small group jazz that is relaxed but swinging, Manny Kellough, Billy Preston's drummer, has put together a nice package of standards and originals for your listening enjoyment. While the ensemble work is, to put it plainly, not tight, the instrumental solos are good and, at times, outstanding. Alto saxophonist Antonio Parker is especially rewarding on “Generosity" and “Secret Love." Michael Thomas on trumpet is a bit less compelling. His biting sound recalls the asperity ...

like 142

Azure McCall: The Gift

by Franz A. Matzner
November 2, 2003

Draped in Gospel style, as well as content, Azure McCall’s latest release falls safely into the category of inspirational music. Tunes like “Without a Song” and “Hello Love” leave no doubt that this is message music, something that even the bluesy tune “Change,” with its exasperatingly obvious motivational lyric, and the admittedly well-executed ballad “Not a Day Goes By” confirm.

Boasting powerful lungs, and a sincere, if bombastic, approach, McCall belts out tune after tune, hitting the ...