Jazz Articles about Bobby Wiens

About Bobby Wiens

Album Review

There are times when superb musicianship can redeem an album that may otherwise be gauged as no more than ordinary. Focus, Canadian-bred drummer Bobby Wiens’ second recording as leader, marks one of those times. Even though the album’s dozen themes are, aside from a few outliers, matter-of-fact, they are so marvelously performed by Wiens’ talented quartet that the album’s listening experience becomes a genuine pleasure.<PWhile Wiens, who wrote and arranged the first eleven of those tunes, keeps a ...

Album Review

Bobby Wiens: Focus

by Kyle Simpler
June 18, 2026

Even though a recording is a finished product, it still captures the feeling and intensity of the session. When players have a good working rapport, everything translates through the music. Clearly, the musicians assembled by drummer Bobby Wiens for his second album, Focus, share a strong rapport, and that chemistry is evident throughout the recording. Originally from Calgary, Wiens grew up surrounded by music. He developed an interest in drums during middle school, which ultimately led to years ...

Album Review

Denin Koch: It Comes in Waves

Read "It Comes in Waves" reviewed by Geannine Reid

by Geannine Reid
August 13, 2024

Guitarist Denin Slage-Koch's third album, It Comes in Waves, is a contemporary jazz outing featuring eight original compositions and a reimagined pop classic. Known for his exceptional technique and thoughtful compositions, Slage-Koch has assembled a group of highly skilled musicians to bring his vision to life. Slage-Koch's skill as a composer is evident in tracks like “The Road Home" and “The Philosopher (for Wayne Shorter)." In “The Road Home" one can hear beautiful harmonic progressions and tension/resolution patterns developed throughout ...

Album Review

Bobby Wiens: Talking Drums

Read "Talking Drums" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
December 19, 2020

If drums could talk, Bobby Wiens' kit would no doubt have some nice things to say about how he enlivened and supported his teammates on this tasteful quintet date that was recorded in July 2020, with masks and social distancing, at the UNC Studios in Greeley, CO. Apparently, the quintet were then students at the University of Northern Colorado; if true, they learned their lessons well and were more than ready to test how readily that knowledge might harmonize in ...

Album Review

William Chernoff: Aim To Stay

Read "Aim To Stay" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian

by Hrayr Attarian
November 8, 2020

Canadian bassist William Chernoff showcases his crisp, clever writing and musicianship on his exciting debut, Aim To Stay. Leading a quartet made up of fellow alumni from Capilano University, Chernoff interprets seven of his lyrical originals that draw upon his various influences. For instance guitarist Bill Frisell serves as an inspiration for “Stop Me If You've Heard Enough," built on cinematic Americana motifs. Trumpeter Thad Bailey-Mai expands on the main theme with his warm and mellow phrases like ...