Jazz Articles about George Small

Graham Parker: Another Grey Area 40th Anniversary Edition

by Doug Collette
April 4, 2022

Iconoclassic Records lives up to its label name with this Graham Parker reissue. Admittedly a niche artist, this irascible Brit has seen more than a few excerpts from his lengthy discography treated with the meticulous care that bespeaks true labors of love, and this initial release of Parker's sans the splendid backing band known as the Rumour puts the spotlight squarely on his original material. Of course, the man's own songs have always been the focal point of ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by C. Michael Bailey
February 7, 2005

With the title derived from the opening track, “It Might As Well Be Spring," singer Stevie Holland could be considered the personified restless willow. Holland has an easy vocal style that never falls prey to over-extension. She swings with a confident grace, her phrasing tasteful and accurate. These are the things that may strike the listener upon spinning Restless Willow for the first time. Skip on over to “Summertime" and hear a performance that will not blaze new trails in ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by Michael P. Gladstone
December 20, 2004

On her third album, singer Stevie Holland offers eleven well-balanced cabaret/jazz selections. She is accompanied by a good group that includes Kenny Washington, George Small, Tim Ferguson, Noel Sagerman, Sean Harkness, Steve Kroon, Joe Mennonna and a guest shot from David “Fathead" Newman. Holland has co-written and performed with producer Gary William Friedman in the past and her first album in 2000 consisted of all Friedman material. On this album, Friedman provides the arrangements and orchestrations including strings on some ...

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

by Jim Santella
November 22, 2004

Singing standards with a clear delivery and a happy outlook, Stevie Holland gives her audience an intimate approach and a convincing, heartfelt persuasion.

James Taylor's “Sunny Skies" coasts along gently with a buoyant aura, allowing Holland to interpret its positive lyrics with a graceful piano trio alongside. “Zoot Walks In" brings an equally rosy outlook with jazz piano trio and tenor saxophone, but the drive of her interpretation glows with much more emphasis. It's the high point of ...