Jazz Articles about Paul Vornhagen

About Paul Vornhagen

Album Review

Tumbao Bravo with Paul Vornhagen: Joy of the Mambo

Read "Joy of the Mambo" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
March 25, 2026

Dance music means a good time. The mambo, the cha cha, 'rhumba' and bolero beats challenge the feet to stay still, they challenge the butt to stay in the chair. The music is pure joy, and reed man Paul Vornhagen and his sextet, Tumbao Bravo, exploit that joy to the max on the fittingly titled Joy of the Mambo. The tone is set with the opener “Firefly Mambo." It is a percolating stew of sound, smile-inducing and dance-friendly, ...

Album Review

Paul Vornhagen: Live at the Blue LLama

Read "Live at the Blue LLama" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
May 19, 2025

Saxophonist and composer Paul Vornhagen, a durable pillar on Detroit's jazz scene for almost three decades, puts his working quartet straight to work on this inspiring concert date, recorded in November 2023 at the Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The group's precision and empathy are clear from the outset, as pianist Pat Cronley, bassist Patrick Prouty and drummer Larry Ochiltree put their heads and hands together to lend Vornhagen unwavering support on every number, ...

Radio & Podcasts

New releases from Vornhagen, Morris, Smith & More

by Bob Osborne
February 27, 2025

A mix of old and new on this edition. I dip to the archive for a look at the tributes by Dave Douglas and Chet Doxas to the music of Jimmy Giuffre and Carla Bley. There's a look back at the work of saxophone master Julius Hemphill. In addition a selection of the best in recent and forthcoming releases.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Paul Vornhagen “Hey Pops" from Live at The Blue Llama (Global Pulse Records) 00:26 Willie Morris ...

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Album Review

Paul VornHagen: Kindred Spirits

Read "Kindred Spirits" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
June 22, 2004

The opener on multiple-reedman/vocalist Paul VornHagen's Kindred Spirits, “Namely You," kicks the set off on a relaxed straight-ahead vibe, with the leader blowing a robust tenor sax lead. The sound feels loose, like Ben Webster—Ellington's most famous tenor saxophonist—playing out in front of a bunch of top-notch accompanists. Cal Tjader's “Mindanao," featuring VornHagen on flute, takes things into a more propulsive and urgent mood.The surprise, after two great instrumental tracks, is Burton Lane's “Your My Thrill." VornHagen's high ...