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Blue Moods: Swing & Soul
by David A. Orthmann
Swing & Soul is the second in a series of recordings by Blue Moods, one of the projects initiated by Posi-Tone Records producer Marc Free to attract new listeners to jazz. The release showcases a collection of compositions by pianist Duke Pearson, an underrecognized figure who worked for Blue Note as an A&R man, arranger, and sideman, in addition to leading several dates that remain in high regard by many aficionados. Five of Posi-Tone's leading lights, tenor ...
Continue ReadingClaire Daly: VuVu for Frances
by Jack Bowers
Claire Daly, whose gruff yet eloquent baritone sax has brightened the New York scene for almost four decades, reunites with acclaimed tenor saxophonist George Garzone on Daly's seventh album as leader, VuVu for Frances, whose honoree is Frances Ballantyne, described by Daly as “a profound influence on [her] life" and “a consummate New Yorker." Daly and Garzone last recorded together in 1999, on Garzione's Moodiology (NYC), and Father Time hasn't caused either of them to lose so much as a ...
Continue ReadingWillie Morris: Conversation Starter
by David A. Orthmann
The story is old, predictable and often exasperating. A virtually unknown jazz musician distinguishes himself or herself as part of the supporting cast on a handful of recordings. And then begins the wait to see if any label will offer the young, deserving player a shot in the driver's seat. Early this year, two releases on Posi-Tone Records stimulated an appetite for more music by Willie Morris. The tenor saxophonist acquitted himself well as an ensemble player, ...
Continue ReadingClaire Daly (with George Garzone): VuVu for Frances
by Troy Dostert
Working jazz musicians have long been accustomed to the necessity of playing just about anything, in any setting, and Claire Daly is no exception. The intrepid baritone saxophonist has recorded tributes to Thelonious Monk and Rahsaan Roland Kirk and, in 2016, she even offered a distinctive take on Motown classics with 2468 West Grand Boulevard (Glass Beach Jazz). With the enviable versatility on her formidable horn which has brought her consistent acclaim, she now turns to more conventional jazz fare, ...
Continue ReadingVarious Artists: Tales Of Wonder: A Jazz Celebration Of Stevie
by Kyle Simpler
There aren't many songwriters who have reached a level of success comparable to Stevie Wonder. He is one of the most important figures in American music, and to celebrate his 70th birthday, Posi-Tone records is releasing Tales of Wonder: A Jazz Celebration of Stevie. This compilation, performed by some of the label's excellent roster of musicians, offers a fitting tribute to this legendary artist. Rather than simply offering something of a greatest hits compilation, Tales of Wonder digs into Wonder's ...
Continue ReadingJon Davis: Happy Juice
by David A. Orthmann
Whitney Balliett once wrote, “good musicians do not copy their elders; they only use them as primers." These are words to keep in mind while listening to Jon Davis' Happy Juice, a ten track recital that acknowledges a number of modern jazz piano masters (Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, and Red Garland) in terms of material and methods yet deftly eschews the weight of any single influence. Davis' style is at once pleasurable, mysterious, demanding, ...
Continue ReadingJon Davis: Happy Juice
by Dan Bilawsky
Everyone has their own version of happy juice. For some, it's the drink; for others, it's literature; for many, it's film; and for a certain breed, it's jazz, that most potent and unpredictable of aural intoxicants. It's the people that fall into that last group who are most likely to quickly uncork this one and take glee in polishing it off once and again. As pianist Jon Davis sees it, some of the most significant pianistic vintners ...
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