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Getting to the Jazz Point: An Exposé
by AAJ Staff
Jazz... famous for complex harmonies, syncopated rhythms and an emphasis on improvisation. The music at its best is a form of personal expression, valuing non-conformity and freedom. It has birthed and is to an extent, defined by musicianly quirks, idiosyncrasies and singularities. There are also a great many non-musical threads that bind the tradition together and perhaps none is more lasting and pervasive than the finger point. Ever notice how jazz musicians love to point at one another ...
Continue ReadingOscar Hernandez & Alma Libre: Vision
by Edward Blanco
Multiple Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz pianist/composer and band leader Oscar Hernandez and his group, Alma Libre (Free Spirit) issue another shoulder-moving album presenting more of the rhythms he and his bands are so well known for. A true Latin music legend, Hernandez is best regarded for his direction of the 13-piece Spanish Harlem Orchestra that has gathered three Grammy Awards. This album was, in essence, a product of the pandemic situation. Hernandez says: “Recording this album was a way to ...
Continue ReadingLuba Mason: Triangle
by Jim Worsley
The rather smarmy “Bach, Stevie Wonder, and Janette Monae" opens this live performance. While disconcerting, the tide shifts dramatically with The Beatles' John Lennon-Paul McCartney classic “Ticket to Ride." It is reimagined in a sultry and just short of brilliant manner. Luba Mason's vocal phrasing brings an entire new essence to this tune. Bassist James Genus plays a line throughout which is a slow groove with a lot of feeling. Vibraphonist Joe Locke solos in spectacular fashion, while percussionist Samuel ...
Continue ReadingFreihofer Jazz Festival 2019
by Rudolph Lu
The 42nd Annual Freihofer Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY was held from June 28-20, 2019 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The broad spectrum of jazz was well represented. Well over 25 artists performed. There was an unofficial opening on the 28th held at the Caffe Lena, a venue located in Saratoga Springs itself. With local artists performing at various venues throughout the city. Joe Locke and his Quartet was the unplanned last minute opener at Caffe ...
Continue ReadingJoe Locke, Branford Marsalis and More
by Joe Dimino
We start this week's episode with one of the finest voices on the vibes who made his way through Kansas City in early December, Joe Locke, with a cut off his new CD Subtle Disguise. From there, we dive headlong into the music of a legend on the drums in Billy Cobham, who was the subject of a book by Brian Grueber. We take some time to look into the piano skills of George Colligan off his ...
Continue ReadingJoe Locke / Pat Bianchi / Marvin "Smitty" Smith at Detroit Groove Society
by C. Andrew Hovan
Joe Locke/Pat Bianchi/Marvin “Smitty" Smith Detroit Groove Socirty West Bloomfield, Michigan December 7, 2018 One of the key elements of jazz over the history of the music has been the social aspect that is inherent in the type of musical communication that marks improvised music. During the swing era, if you were so inclined, you could head to the popular ballrooms to dance to the big bands of Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, or ...
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