Jazz Articles about Jim Ridl

About Jim Ridl

Album Review

According to Francis Bacon, some books are to be tasted and others to be swallowed whole. Likewise with recordings. Some are to be sampled. Others are to be thoroughly assimilated. Where the listener lands with Paul Jost will depend on a host of things. Are you political? If so, are you progressive? Then by all means, this recording is for you. Jost's soliloquy, “January 6th: An Appeal for Reason" will no doubt be convincing. If your politics are ...

Album Review

Peter DiCarlo: Onward

Read "Onward" reviewed by Friedrich Kunzmann

by Friedrich Kunzmann
February 5, 2021

On his debut record, New York-based alto saxophonist Peter DiCarlo establishes himself as a serious straight-ahead composer who skillfully combines an elegant alto tone with intricate reed and horn arrangements that are propelled forward by a swinging rhythm section. Dominated by a majority of self-penned hard and post-bop scores, Onward—in accordance with its title—pushes last century's idioms into this one, exploring new and exciting territory that neither defies tradition, nor resists its modern environment. Swing is affirmed in ...

Album Review

Peter DiCarlo: Onward

by Jack Bowers
February 3, 2021

New York City-based alto saxophonist Peter DiCarlo makes a lot of winning moves on his debut album, Onward, and a couple that seem more puzzling than perceptive. More about them later. First, it should be noted that DiCarlo is a virtuosic player with a burnished sound and enough improvisational ammunition in his arsenal to guide him safely through any encounter, no matter how unforeseen or perilous. He is also a splendid writer whose five original compositions here serve to enhance ...

Live Review

Jim Ridl: Solo Piano Livestream

by Victor L. Schermer
July 17, 2020

Jim Ridl: Solo Piano Global Music Foundation Online Concert Series Broadcast Live on ZOOM July 12, 2020 This hour-long Zoom-cast featuring Jim Ridl on solo piano in his home proved to be especially gratifying for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Ridl delivered a set that was enjoyable, stimulating, and at times had the virtuosity and creativity that only a master could deliver. In addition, Ridl was a warm and articulate ...

Album Review

JD Walter: Dressed in a Song

Read "Dressed in a Song" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
February 28, 2020

JD Walter is a consummate vocalist who has devoted himself over many years to evolving a unique style that is nevertheless ensconced in the jazz tradition. The public relations sheet for this new CD states that “this is his first release since recovering from a life-threatening heart condition and surgeries on his heart and vocal cords." It states that this is a “comeback" record. That is a misnomer. In this recording, he takes the music to new levels of structure, ...

Live Review

Jim Ridl: Project 142 at the DiMenna Center

by Victor L. Schermer
October 25, 2017

Jim Ridl Tones and Tomes in Tempo DiMenna Center New York, NY October 19, 2017 Jim Ridl is a brilliant and imaginative pianist whose music is true to his North Dakota origins while firmly rooted in the jazz tradition. Versatile and adaptive to almost any situation, he fronts his own groups, is a frequent sideman, and a prolific composer. He occupies a monthly residence at the 55 Bar in Greenwich Village and recently released ...

Live Review

Jim Ridl Quartet Featuring Zach Brock at Collingswood Community Center

by Victor L. Schermer
March 4, 2017

Jim Ridl Quartet Featuring Zach Brock Collingswood Community Center Jazz Bridge Neighborhood Concert Collingswood, PA March 2, 2017 The Jazz Bridge is a meritorious organization that not only sponsors outstanding concerts in and around Philadelphia, but also offers support to musicians in distress. Their recently published Philadelphia Real Book contains sheet music for tunes composed by Philadelphia jazz legends as well as lesser known greats such as the memorable Father John D'Amico. Jazz Bridge ...