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Jazz Articles about Gerald Cleaver
Chris Lightcap Quartet: Bigmouth
by Phil DiPietro
The jazz world has more than a few parallels to the world of sports, but unfortunately isn't given the same level of coverage and scrutiny. The rise of the formerly- regarded “team player" to sudden “all-star" status based on a reshuffling of the supporting cast is common to both worlds. Chris Lightcap now affirms his talents deserve wider recognition with this slam dunk followup to his debut, Lay-up. Blurring distinctions between the what-is-free and the what-is-harmony-based informs the playing of ...
Continue ReadingGerald Cleaver / Veil of Names: Adjust
by Phil DiPietro
Calling this one of 2001's most surprising , refreshing and simply best releases is not as intrepid an estimation as it may seem, since it was one of three nominees by the Jazz Journalists' Association for Recording Debut of their jazz year (April 15, 2001 - April 15, 2002). Splitting his prodigious talents between the gigging/recording and academic worlds, Detroit (and U Michigan)'s Gerald Cleaver, who's already made his mark in straight and avant camps, makes a powerful debut with ...
Continue ReadingRene Marie: How Can I Keep From Singing
by C. Michael Bailey
Back To The MAX. The new jazz label, MAXJAZZ, was formally founded with the release of the first four recordings in their “Vocal Series." These recordings included LaVerne Butler's Blues In The City, Carla Cook's It's All About Love (MXJ 106), Christine Hitt's You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (MXJ 107), and Asa Harris' All In Good Time (MXJ 108). All of these recordings garnered critical praise, with It's All About Love being nominated for a Grammy Award. ...
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