Jazz Articles about Dennis Gonzalez

Dennis Gonzalez: A Matter Of Blood

by Mark Corroto
September 3, 2009

The reemergence of trumpeter Dennis Gonzalez continues. But, to quote an infamous rapper, “Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years." And Gonzalez has been making music for many years. Since he has lived the last three decades in Texas, the New York-centric jazz world tended to overlook him. With a flurry of activity of late, it is nearly impossible to ignore him.

He recorded for Sweden's Silkheart in the 1980s, and more recently Portugal's Clean ...

Dennis Gonzalez / Jnaana Septet: The Gift Of Discernment

by Nic Jones
June 2, 2008

Trumpeter Dennis Gonzalez has been responsible for some beautifully realized music on record in the past and this is a worthy addition to the canon. The music's full of that often difficult to define quality called life, shot through with a group conception which makes for a realization which is simultaneously both tight and loose.

The presence of percussionist Alvin Fielder provides a kind of link with the percussive workouts of the Art Ensemble Of Chicago, and it's that aesthetic ...

Dennis Gonzalez NY Quartet: Dance of the Soothsayer's Tongue (at Tonic)

by AAJ Italy Staff
January 24, 2008

Dance of the Soothsayer's Tongue comprende due distinte sedute di registrazione accomunate, nell’intento del leader, dallo stesso spirito improvvisativo. La prima, datata 9 agosto 2003, consiste nei trentaquattro minuti live, registrati al Tonic di New York, sopravvissuti ad una serie di inconvenienti di tipo tecnico e rimasti per lungo tempo nel cassetto. La seconda è una registrazione in studio di un anno successiva, ispirata da quello spezzone di un concerto, si dice, leggendario, e appositamente pensata per poter dare alle ...

Dennis Gonzalez: Dance of the Soothsayer

by Mark Corroto
January 17, 2008

Dennis González may the greatest trumpeter that you've never heard of. The Texas native, active some thirty years ago, has reawakened to provide a batch of stellar recordings. Dance of the Soothsayer's Tongue (Live at Tonic), with his New York Quartet, might be one of the best jazz releases of 2007.

With nearly thirty releases as leader, his music has somehow always flown under the jazz radar. But ask musicians like Charles Burnham, Kidd Jordan, Nels Cline, Elton ...

Dennis Gonzalez / Yells at Eels: Geographia

by Donald Elfman
January 18, 2007

Trumpeter Dennis González's tunes and improvisations are open and free-form, while still retaining a strong rhythmic pulse and forward motion. Evident, too, is a kind of Southwestern color that looks towards Mexico and Latin America. Yells at Eels is the name of a group he started with his sons, bassist Aaron and drummer Stefan. Geographia has the vibe of a party of like-minded players, and the whole thing feels live--with Stefan bashing away but continuing to hold ...

Dennis Gonz: Idle Wild

by Germein Linares
January 25, 2006

As with his previous efforts, notably 2004's quartet NY Midnight Suite, Texas-born trumpeter Dennis González creates jazz steeped in life's various joys, anxieties, truths and wonders. González's works require time and patience for full appreciation as they unfold through various rhythms, melodies, and harmonies. This is a thinking person's jazz. Catchy riffs and clever hooks won't do here. Tolerance and serenity are in abundance instead on Idle Wild, with saxophonist Oliver Lake, bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Michael T. A. ...

Dennis Gonzalez's Spirit Meridian: Idle Wild

by Mark Corroto
August 13, 2005

The second Dennis Gonzalez sighting on the Portuguese Clean Feed label solidifies his reputation with some remarkable writing and playing. He retains only drummer Michael Thompson from his first outing, NY Midnight Suite (2004). This studio session finds him in good company with bassist Fen Filiano and saxophonist Oliver Lake.

The Texan trumpeter has been a shadowy figure in jazz, electing not to quit his day job teaching in the public schools. He has worked with leaders of ...