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Diego Rivera: Ofrenda
by David A. Orthmann
Tenor and soprano saxophonist Diego Rivera has amassed an impressive track record on the Posi-Tone imprint as a leader, sideman, and other projects curated by producer Marc Free. Ofrenda, a ten-movement suite, is a vehicle for Rivera's impressions of aspects of altars corresponding with the traditional Mexican holiday Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). In essence, an ofrenda is usually created by and placed in the home of the family of a person who has passed away.
Continue ReadingDiego Rivera: Ofrenda
by Kyle Simpler
El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a time to honor deceased loved ones. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, many other cultures have embraced the tradition. One of its traditional features is an ofrenda, which is a traditional altar, generally placed in the home, containing several different items ranging from food to religious items. To an outsider, the celebration might seem somber and mournful, but this is not entirely the case. El Dia de los ...
Continue ReadingAirmen Of Note, Diego Rivera, Andrew Vogt, Maria Puga Lareo and more
by Benjamin Boddie
Today's Music--Right Now! Fantastic music by Airmen Of Note, Diego Rivera, Andrew Vogt, Maria Puga Lareo, Richard Nelson, Avishai Cohen, Zach Adleman, Samara Joy, The Bad Plus, Steve Davis, UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1, Dharma Down, Brian Lynch, Robin Simone, Ryan Keberle & Catharsis, Visions Jazz Ensemble, Brandon Sanders, Western Jazz Collective, Andy Wheelock, Javon Jackson and more. Playlist Airmen Of Note Woman Child" from 2024 Jazz Heritage Series (U.S. Air Force) 00:00 Diego Rivera Cosas" from Ofrenda ...
Continue ReadingJosh Lawrence: Measured Response
by David A. Orthmann
Art Hirahara's brief, cryptic solo piano intro to Where Do We Go?," the opening track of trumpeter/flugelhornist Josh Lawrence's album, offers little indication of what immediately follows: Lawrence's warm-toned, delectable horn surrounded by relaxed, straightforward, middling-tempo swing courtesy of bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston. This intriguing transition sets the stage for a recording that establishes a loose continuity amid changes in mood and temperament. Measured Response encompasses an impressive stylistic reach. A Tragic Tango Comedy" ...
Continue ReadingBlue Moods: Swing & Soul
by David A. Orthmann
Swing & Soul is the second in a series of recordings by Blue Moods, one of the projects initiated by Posi-Tone Records producer Marc Free to attract new listeners to jazz. The release showcases a collection of compositions by pianist Duke Pearson, an underrecognized figure who worked for Blue Note as an A&R man, arranger, and sideman, in addition to leading several dates that remain in high regard by many aficionados. Five of Posi-Tone's leading lights, tenor ...
Continue ReadingAltin Sencalar: In Good Standing
by David A. Orthmann
In many ways, In Good Standing is a jazz aficionado's dream. Trombonist, composer, and arranger Altin Sencalar's inaugural disc as a leader for Posi-Tone encourages granular, analytical consideration. It is worthwhile to pause and think about the details of inspired performances, ponder the efficacy of Sencalar's original compositions and interpretations of gems penned by jazz giants, and contemplate the numerous examples of his band's esprit de corps. Conversely, it would be a shame to only concentrate on these things and ...
Continue ReadingDiego Rivera: Love & Peace
by David A. Orthmann
While some of its roots lie in jazz practices of the mid-to-late twentieth century, Diego Rivera's Love & Peace brushes aside the expectations and comparisons which often accompany newly-recorded records that bear a resemblance to sounds from the past. The tenor and soprano saxophonist assembled a cast of players who frequently appear on Posi-Tone releases. Pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston have met the challenges of loads of jazz and improvised music projects, ...
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