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John Lamkin: Hot
by Tony Poole
Best known as a dedicated music educator, Dr. John Lamkin II has spent decades shaping the next generation of musicians as Director of Bands at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. But in 1984, he stepped into the spotlight with Hot, a dynamic blend of fusion, R&B, and straight-ahead jazz-funk that showcased his prowess as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Originally a private press release, the album has remained a sought-after rarity--until now. Born and raised in Atlantic ...
Continue ReadingJohn Lamkin: Transitions
by Karl Ackermann
Dr. John R. Lamkin, II has dedicated much of his career to bringing music to students and the community while recording little, so his many Mid-Atlantic fans will welcome Transitions, his first release in decades. His only prior album was Hot (Self-Produced, 1984), where the trumpeter wrote all but one composition. As Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music and Music Education at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, he has exposed students to top jazz talent. Lamkin himself has played ...
Continue ReadingDonald Harrison: Heroes
by Jeff Stockton
Ron Carter, one of altoist Donald Harrison's heroes and the primary bassist on this recording, makes the point that Harrison comes from New Orleans, but doesn't insist that he does. Harrison approaches his tradition with a pure heart, and from his apprenticeship with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the mid '80s through his own leadership in the '90s, he has evolved an historical idiom into an absolutely contemporary, individual style. The title track kicks things off ...
Continue ReadingDonald Harrison: Heroes
by John Kelman
Stripping down from his quintet début on Nagel Heyer, '02's Real Life Stories , saxophonist Donald Harrison teams up with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Cobham, two of his personal heroes. Having an intermittent history with both musicians, Harrison obviously felt that the combination would provide the perfect combination of groove, freedom and exploration. The result is a mainstream set that purposefully raises the bar for Harrison, forcing him to think outside the box and deliver one of his ...
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