Jazz Articles about Jason Arkins

About Jason Arkins

Album Review

Gafieira Rio Miami: Beleza Pura

Read "Beleza Pura" reviewed by Katchie Cartwright

by Katchie Cartwright
May 16, 2026

Put on your dancing shoes for Beleza Pura, the sophomore release of Gafieira Rio Miami, the South Florida-based Latin big band. The album presents an exuberant program of Brazilian and Latin jazz standards, updated with spirited arrangements by Ricardo Gilly. The mood is upbeat and the performances are peppered with guest appearances by such Brazilian luminaries as singer Roberta Sá, seven-string guitar virtuoso Yamandu Costa, pianist-composer Antonio Adolfo, and singer-dancer Luciana Mello, along with Puerto Rican flute ace Nestor Torres ...

Album Review

Kate Hamann: Momentary Beauty

Read "Momentary Beauty" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian

by Hrayr Attarian
December 11, 2022

Up-and-coming trumpeter and vocalist Kate Hamann showcases the full breadth of her talents on her full-length debut, the captivating Momentary Beauty. In addition to deftly leading her band, playing her horns, and singing, Hamann penned all the music that comprises the album. The laid back cadence of the rhythm section, Hamann's own incandescent tones, and saxophonist Jason Arkins' occasional lyrical interjections create the cozy ambience of a languid summer evening. For instance, “Daydream" opens with guitarist Diego Melgar's ...