Jazz Articles about David Mann

About David Mann

Album Review

There are a number of bright and interesting moments on New York-based arranger Wayne Alpern's album, Gotham, wherein he makes good use of a well-polished tentet on several generally handsome and engaging charts. Alpern's choice of music is eclectic, ranging from Tchaikovsky to Jobim, Rodgers and Hart to Stephen Sondheim, Hoagy Carmichael to Horace Silver, Alex North to John Lennon and Paul McCartney. All of which should be anticipated from a music-lover whose training and background ranges from classical to ...

Album Review

Reza Khan: Imaginary Road

Read "Imaginary Road" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
March 23, 2021

To impartially assess Imaginary Road, Bangladeshi-raised, New York-based guitarist Reza Khan's sixth album, it is best to lay aside as best one can his disposition for or against what could reasonably be labeled “smooth jazz" and start from there. Is the music melodically and rhythmically likeable? Yes, it is. Are the musicians technically able? Yes, they are. Beyond that, what can be said? Well, the ten songs are essentially atmospheric, depicting the sort of aural landscapes that ...

Album Review

Susie Meissner: I'll Remember April

Read "I'll Remember April" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
August 25, 2020

Philadelphia-based vocalist Susie Meissner has been surveying the Great American Songbook for the past decade and some. Her approach is uncomplicated, using simple head arrangements, presenting the songs that made Tin Pan Alley noteworthy in a straightforward and authentic fashion, and recalling the original intentions of the composers. Hers is an archival and entertainment endeavor not unlike Linda Ronstadt's swing with Nelson Riddle, which resulted in What's New (Asylum, 1983), Lush Life (Asylum, 1984), and For Sentimental Reasons (Asylum, 1986), ...

Album Review

Rich Willey Boptism Funk Band: Conspiracy

Read "Conspiracy" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
November 7, 2019

Both before and after his first terrific recording as leader--Gone with the Piggies (Consolidated Artists Productions, 1988)--Asheville, North Carolina-based Rich Willey has been a very busy jazzman. During that period, Willey spent dues-playing time with Philly Phenoms, New York Bopsters, did a stint with the great Maynard Ferguson, authored dozens of well-acclaimed trumpet and jazz improv books, wrote scores of original tunes, taught and, in his spare time, performed locally. However, within the last year he has released two outstanding ...