Jazz Articles about Michael Karn

Steve Fidyk: Battle Lines

by David A. Orthmann
May 26, 2020

Battle Lines, the inaugural release of Steve Fidyk's Blue Canteen Music label, bears the stamp of a rhythm section capable of adroitly assuming multiple identities. During large portions of three amiable, bop-oriented tracks, “Bebop Operations," “#Social Loafing" and “Sir John," Fidyk's drums, bassist Michael Karn and pianist Peter Zak move the music along without any fuss or extraneous effort. Sometimes it's easy to take them for granted, particularly if your attention is focused on Xavier Perez's tenor sax or Joe ...

Michael Karn Quintet: In Focus

by David A. Orthmann
November 1, 2000

Michael Karn’s maiden voyage as a leader reveals an accomplished tenor saxophonist who is capable of shaping the sound of a quintet like a veteran. His playing is influenced by Coltrane, Mobley, Gordon, and Henderson, but nonetheless has attained an impressive degree of individuality. Similarly, the band’s sound can be placed in the modern mainstream, and Karn’s choice of material and utilization of his excellent sidemen makes the music sound fresh and inviting.

As outright exciting as Karn’s playing is, ...