Home » Jazz Articles » Ben Allison
Jazz Articles about Ben Allison
Steve Cardenas: Blue Has A Range
by Dan Bilawsky
Connections abound across the personnel list on this quartet date. Guitarist Steve Cardenas has been part of pianist Jon Cowherd's Mercy Project for the better part of a decade. There, and in bassist John Patitucci's Electric Guitar Quartet, he's logged some musical miles with drummer Brian Blade, who steadily employs Cowherd in his Fellowship band. And then there's bassist Ben Allison—the fourth part of the equation and the album's producer. He's a longtime Cardenas colleague—both men have played frequently enough ...
Continue ReadingDave Glasser: Hypocrisy Democracy
by Dan Bilawsky
Something of a socio-political scythe--a title and tool cutting straight into the failing system that surrounds us--Hypocrisy Democracy is also a broad statement detailing the ceaselessly looping fallibility of man and his actions. It's saxophonist Dave Glasser's most probing work to date, bound to both our present state of affairs and the history it mirrors, and it's an album that, despite its bold conceit, actually needs no concept to latch itself onto. The music is that strong. ...
Continue ReadingSeven is as Seven Does
by Patrick Burnette
This episode is a seventh anniversary celebration featuring--you guessed it--septets. Also featuring copper, sheep, speculation about the role a great title has in creating a jazz classic, and all sorts of other goodies. Unwrap, enjoy, and stay tuned for pop matters where Mike strays productively off-course to give an in-depth review of an eye-opening David Binney concert. Playlist Discussion of The Fat Babies' album 18th and Racine (Delmark) 5:20 Discussion of Mulgrew Miller's album Hand in Hand ...
Continue ReadingBen Allison, Ron Horton, Frank Kimbrough: A Collective Trio
by Ludovico Granvassu
Ben Allison, Ron Horton and Frank Kimbrough have been collaborating for more than a quarter century, including as members of the influential Jazz Composers Collective. During these years they have established themselves as stalwarts of the New York jazz scene and developed their own instantly identifiable sounds, solidifying their international reputations as leading voices of their generation. This mixtape includes highlights of their extensive discographies, from their collaboration in the seminal Herbie Nichols Project, through countless ...
Continue ReadingBen Allison: Quiet Revolution
by Angelo Leonardi
A due anni dall'esclusiva uscita in vinile della Newvelle Records, Ben Allison rende disponibile Quiet Revolution a un pubblico più vasto, pubblicandolo in CD e nei consueti formati digitali. L'incisione è stata remixata e rimasterizzata con l'aggiunta di due brani inediti. La cosa farà piacere agli estimatori del bassista di New Haven, che ha inteso tributare un omaggio alla musica del Jimmy Giuffre 3, organico senza pianoforte che negli anni '50 e '60 ebbe varie edizioni a ...
Continue ReadingBass Is the Place!
by Ludovico Granvassu
Where do rhythm and harmony intersect? Where do you feel the beat, not just with your ears but your whole body? Bass is the place where it all comes together. This week we celebrate some beloved jazz bass players, from riveting soloists to groundbreaking composers and consummate sidemen. Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Jaco Pastorius “Donna Lee" from Jaco Pastorius (Epic) 0:07 Host talks 2:44 Charles Mingus “Haitian Fight Song" ...
Continue ReadingBen Allison: Between Groove and Melody
by Angelo Leonardi
Bassist, bandleader, educator and composer, Ben Allison is one of the leading players of the world stage. During the past twenty years he has released twelve records and led various bands, performed on more than thirty albums, co-founded The Jazz Composers Collective, and served as its Artistic Director until its dissolution in 2005. In this conversation, Allison speaks about his album (Layers of The City, Sonic Camera Records 2017), his personal style, the birth of his own label, his long ...
Continue Reading
