Jazz Articles about Leo Traversa

About Leo Traversa

Album Review

Shunzo Ohno: Live at Joe's Pub

Read "Live at Joe's Pub" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
May 28, 2026

A string section? In Joe's Pub? Strange as that may seem, it is clearly the case on veteran trumpeter Shunzo Ohno's latest album, recorded Live at Joe's Pub in New York City. The seven-member section, led by Ohno's daughter, cellist Sasha Ohno, is not mere window dressing, as it plays a sizable role on every one of the album's eight numbers and is, in fact, the only voice heard on Ohno's gossamer “Firefly." What better way to get ...

Album Review

Sue Maskaleris: Love is the Key

Read "Love is the Key" reviewed by Geannine Reid

by Geannine Reid
April 10, 2021

Jazz composer Sue Maskaleris has quite the arsenal of skills in her toolbox. A pianist, vocalist, and crack lyricist, she bestows wry wit in her approach to writing that harkens to Dave Frishberg. Maskaleris is a product of the rich hummus of New York schools. She studied arranging with Don Sebesky and composition at Manhattan School of Music with John Corigliano. This fertile beginning certainly was the seed to blossom her creativity. Maskaleris is a respected composer. Some ...

Album Review

Sarah Pillow: Paper Cuts

Read "Paper Cuts" reviewed by Glenn Astarita

by Glenn Astarita
December 1, 1999

On Paper Cuts vocalist Sarah Pillow effortlessly whirls through twelve standards as she displays remarkable range and good command of the jazz language. With somewhat of an all-star lineup, which includes trumpeter Dave Douglas, vibraphonist Marc Wagnon, guitarist Van Manakas and a thoroughly swinging rhythm section, Ms Pillow hops through octaves, scats and displays near flawless pitch while vocalizing through these pieces with confidence and flair. - Ms Pillow offers the best of both worlds – as though she ‘lived ...