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Jazz Articles about Gary Versace
Maria Schneider Orchestra: Data Lords
by Karl Ackermann
The skillfully designed cover art tells part of the story; a leaf--half as nature intended--the remainder, a circuit board doppelganger. The pastoral soundscapes associated with the music of Grammy-winning composer/bandleader Maria Schneider belie her activist alter-ego. An outspoken critic of copyright protections, prejudicial revenue schemes and the abuses of “big data," Schneider has authored op-eds and testified before the US Congress. She ventures onto unfamiliar terrain, coalescing her passions on a masterwork double album, Data Lords. The two ...
Continue ReadingJohn Hart: Act Three
by Edward Blanco
Guitarist John Hart has long had an affinity for working with groups that feature the organ as a primary instrument. Having worked with Jimmy Smith and logged a 16-year tenure with organist Jack McDuff, the guitarist now presents Act Three, yet another project with another organ master, this time New York-based keyboardist Gary Versace on the Hammond B3 organ. Versace is one of the most in-demand musicians on the jazz scene today. Rounding out Hart's new band ...
Continue ReadingCharles Pillow Ensemble: Chamber Jazz
by Jack Bowers
Chamber Jazz, alto saxophonist Charles Pillow's eighth recording as leader of his ensemble, is a generally sedate but remarkably engaging series of tone poems that combine contemporary jazz with elements of classical music to produce a hybrid that underlines what is most harmonious and charming in each genre. Chamber Jazz is what it says, and chamber jazz is what it is. For comparison's sake, think of the ensemble as the Modern Jazz Quartet times five. True, there is no John ...
Continue ReadingPaul Shaw Quintet: Moment of Clarity
by Jack Bowers
Drummer Paul Shaw, best known as a reliable sideman in groups large and small, strides into the spotlight with panache as leader of his own quintet, having written every number on Moment of Clarity and entrusted them to the capable hands and singular talents of his earnest colleagues. He also gives those teammates ample space to shine, confining himself for the most part to timekeeping duties, which he carries out with adeptness and assurance. As a composer, ...
Continue ReadingGary Versace: Outside In
by C. Andrew Hovan
Coming in on the most recent wave of popularity for the Hammond B3 organ, Gary Versace has quickly established his reputation on the New York scene. A versatile and chameleon-like musician, Versace's approach to the instrument is unique in that he strives for his own sound, while avoiding the copycat sounds or runs of such modern icons such as Jimmy Smith or Jack McDuff. Most recently, he has brought much of his talents to the fore working with drummer Matt ...
Continue ReadingGary Versace: Four Views of a Sideman
by Ken Dryden
Although Gary Versace isn't the leader on any of these four CDs, there's an obvious reason why each artist chose Versace for their respective record date; the organist/pianist brings strong technique and skill as an improviser while maintaining a degree of restraint to meet the needs of each leader. Andy Laverne Trio Intelligent Design Steeplechase 2007 Although Intelligent Design isn't the first band to feature both a pianist ...
Continue ReadingGary Versace: Many Places & Organic-Lee
by Matthew Miller
Gary Versace Many Places SteepleChase 2006 Lee Konitz/Gary Versace Organic-Lee Going Places SteepleChase 2006
For those who've yet to hear the multifaceted Gary Versace in action, there is no better time than the present. His two most recent efforts, Many Places, a trio date featuring his soulful Hammond B3, ...
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