Jazz Articles about Jane Ira Bloom

Jane Ira Bloom: Chasing Paint

by Jim Santella
April 2, 2003

Commissioned by the Chamber Music America’s New Works: Creation and Presentation Program funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Jane Ira Bloom interprets six Jackson Pollock canvases with her quartet. The visual motion, depicted by the artist through unconventional means, translates easily to the light, bouncy manner in which the soprano saxophonist performs. This suite debuted a year ago at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and was recorded in a studio shortly thereafter. When Bloom stands before an ...

Jane Ira Bloom Quartet Premieres "Chasing Paint" at The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston

by Frank Rubolino
March 10, 2002

Jane Ira Bloom Quartet Museum of Fine Arts Houston, TX March 9, 2002 Jane Ira Bloom composed a suite in eight movements inspired by eight paintings of Jackson Pollock. She and her quartet gave the world premiere of the work in Houston at the prestigious Museum of Fine Arts. With Fred Hersch on piano, Mark Dresser on bass, and Bobby Previte on drums, the group awed a sedate crowd with the intricacy of the composition ...

Jane Ira Bloom: Sometimes The Magic

by Jim Santella
May 1, 2001

Sweeping right and left past the microphone, Jane Ira Bloom throws sound around the room, as a visual artist would apply paint on canvas. The directional movement provides a unique sound to her work and serves to highlight the feelings she wishes to express. Romantic and refreshing, Bloom's tenth recording as leader features her soprano saxophone with a creative supporting trio. Nine modern mainstream originals and two solo saxophone ballad chestnuts complete a program rich in harmony and somewhat introspective. ...

Jane Ira Bloom: The Red Quartets

by David Adler
June 1, 2000

These quartet pieces may have been dubbed “red," but many colors are in fact represented: the moderate swing of “Always Hope," “Monk’s Rec Room," and “Einstein’s Red/Blue Universe"; the beautiful balladry of “Tell Me Your Diamonds"; the free play of “Emergency"; and the stylistic melange of “It’s a Corrugated World." Drummer Bobby Previte shines on the angular “Jax Calypso," while bassist Mark Dresser takes the spotlight with an arco solo on “Climb Inside Her Eyes." Pianist Fred Hersch displays his ...

Jane Ira Bloom: The Red Quartets

by Mike Neely
May 1, 2000

What a pleasure it is to hear a jazz quartet play with such joy and precision. Jane Ira Bloom has recorded a CD entitled The Red Quartets that is guaranteed to sharpen your listening. There is a snap and verve to this group, an ease of exchange in their multi-layered interaction that is incessantly creative.

Mark Dresser's bowed bass solos have a full, lyrical sound that is rare among jazz bassists. He alternates between plucked and bowed solos, proving to ...

Jane Ira Bloom: The Red Quartets

by Glenn Astarita
July 1, 1999

Undeniably one of jazz’ foremost soprano saxophonists, Jane Ira Bloom is known for her willingness to take chances, or at times taking the lesser known path while skirting the fringes of modern mainstream jazz. On The Red Quartets Ms. Bloom performs with all the graceful majesty which has become her trademark while working with an ensemble which represents the creme’ de la creme’ of modern jazz and innovation. Here, Jane Ira Bloom enlists the support of jazz masters Fred Hersch ...