Jazz Articles about Hailey Niswanger

About Hailey Niswanger

Album Review

Either/Orchestra: Nalbandian The Ethiopian

Read "Nalbandian The Ethiopian" reviewed by Jim Trageser

by Jim Trageser
February 11, 2026

After a decade and a half break, the always interesting Either/Orchestra is back with another compelling recording--albeit one recorded in 2011 and 2012, and only now, in 2026, seeing the light of day. Russ Gershon remains at the helm of the Either/Orchestra, and not only is this recording finally being issued, but the group is also in the midst of 40th anniversary touring schedule with shows later this spring of 2026 scheduled for Knoxville and Cleveland.

Album Review

Mauricio Morales: Luna

Read "Luna" reviewed by Peter J. Hoetjes

by Peter J. Hoetjes
February 22, 2021

When viewed retrospectively, a musician's first release is often more telling of where they have been than of where they are going. There is always time to allow talent to develop; to discover inter-genre interests and to network and collaborate with like-minded artists. But there is a certain immediacy to a debut recording. An artist taking one shot to pour all that they have and all that they feel into one cathartic outburst of creativity. With Luna, bassist Mauricio Morales' ...

Album Review

Letizia Gambi: Blue Monday

Read "Blue Monday" reviewed by James Nadal

by James Nadal
March 20, 2016

As the world continues to shrink--musically speaking of course--the melding of American jazz with Mediterranean melody is another spin cycle that makes appreciation of this evolving art form so interesting. With high expectations, Neapolitan vocalist Letizia Gambi, which hails from a theatrical family, and has extensive jazz education, releases Blue Monday, an exuberant and ambitious production that takes jazz on a romantic Italian holiday. After a collaboration with drummer extraordinaire Lenny White in 2009 led to “Introducing Letizia ...

Album Review

Hailey Niswanger: PDX Soul

Read "PDX Soul" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian

by Hrayr Attarian
April 24, 2015

Saxophonist Hailey Niswanger's third release is a stylistic departure from her previous bop based two. Dedicated to versatile Portland based keyboardist Janice Scroggins, who passed away shortly after the recording, the engaging PDX Soul primarily channels an old school funk energy and a retro R&B charm. Scroggins and her rhythm section lay down an electrified backdrop against which Niswanger blows her alto and her soprano with fiery abandon. Trombonist Stan Bock's buttery growl opens “Say What," a tune ...

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Album Review

Hailey Niswanger: Confeddie

Read "Confeddie" reviewed by Joshua Weiner

by Joshua Weiner
May 11, 2010

To look at Confeddie, the new self-produced record by Hailey Niswanger with an artfully posed black-and-white photo of the doe-eyed, comely saxophonist on the cover, the thought that may come to mind is “Great, another Candy Dulfer." Never judge a CD by its cover, to paraphrase some wise man (or, more likely, wise woman) lost to the mists of time. Barely 20 years old and currently attending the Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, Niswanger and fellow students ...