Home » Jazz Articles » Dean Johnson
Jazz Articles about Dean Johnson
Gerry Mulligan: Nocturne
by Alberto Bazzurro
Già edito nel 2005 con un brano in meno (il conclusivo “Rico Apollo"), questo doppio live colto in quel di Bologna nell'aprile 1992 ci tramanda un Gerry Mulligan in ragguardevole forma, lui come del resto il trio che lo affianca, capeggiato (se possiamo dire così) da un pianista dell'affidabilità di Harold Danko. Tredici i brani complessivi, per oltre un'ora e mezza di musica piuttosto tirata (oltre che ottimamente incisa e oggi rimasterizzata), tutti a firma del baritonista ...
Continue ReadingGerry Mulligan: Nocturne
by Jack Kenny
This album might go a small way to setting a record straight. Gerry Mulligan has often been underrated. Despite the critical acclaim and historical significance later attributed to Miles Davis for his groundbreaking work on the Birth of the Cool sessions, a closer examination of the repertoire reveals the profound influence of Mulligan's writing. It was Gerry Mulligan who arguably contributed many of the compositions and arrangements that defined the project's innovative sound. His compositional voice, characterized by a lighter, ...
Continue ReadingBill Mays Trio: Autumn Serenade
by Dan Bilawsky
In Autumn Serenade, Bill Mays gifts us a bountiful harvest of seasonally-bound beauties. This 40th leader date from the eminent pianist finds him fronting a trio with two longtime colleagues--bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Ron Vincent--and welcoming vocalist Judy Kirtley and producer/guitarist Matt Balitsaris for guest appearances on a single track. Together, all parties join up for a musical journey filled with reflection and romance. Opening on the John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman-associated “Autumn Serenade," Mays makes good on ...
Continue ReadingPaul Jost: While We Were Gone
by Richard J Salvucci
According to Francis Bacon, some books are to be tasted and others to be swallowed whole. Likewise with recordings. Some are to be sampled. Others are to be thoroughly assimilated. Where the listener lands with Paul Jost will depend on a host of things. Are you political? If so, are you progressive? Then by all means, this recording is for you. Jost's soliloquy, “January 6th: An Appeal for Reason" will no doubt be convincing. If your politics are ...
Continue ReadingRoseanna Vitro: Sing a Song of Bird
by Pierre Giroux
Roseanne Vitro is one of those jazz singers who falls into the category of “I recognize the voice, but I just can't seem to place her." She has more than a respectable discography which stretches back to 1982, when she released her debut album Listen Here for the Texas Rose label. Her fall 2021 album, Sing A Song Of Bird, is a combination of abundance of attitude and perseverance, since it is composed of two separate sessions (one recorded in ...
Continue ReadingDan Wilensky: Group Therapy
by Charles Walker
Tenor saxophonist Dan Wilensky possesses a warm, accessible tone on his instrument, and at first glance Group Therapy seems tailor-made to feature this broad, bluesy sound on ten straightforward compositions. However, less than two minutes into “Reckless Tongue," the album opener, the syrupy head breaks down into a standstill of rests and whole notes before sliding back into the relaxed groove that carries the tune the rest of the way. This brief moment of suspense perfectly encapsulates what makes the ...
Continue ReadingDan Wilensky: Group Therapy
by Dan Bilawsky
Group therapy involves a collection of individuals coming together to work things out and sort through their thoughts in the same room. The same can be said for saxophonist Dan Wilensky's Group Therapy. Wilensky's wide-ranging career has involved everything from street playing and studio sessions to Broadway and a stint in Ray Charles' band. All of his experiences have helped him flesh out a personal sound that touches on everything from loose swing and free jazz to faux-Arabian fare.
Continue Reading
