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Benjamin Koppel: The Ultimate Soul & Jazz Revue
by Chris M. Slawecki
Listen to music long enough, and it's almost bound to happen: You're not sure exactly what you want to listen to, but you know that whatever you listen to needs must bump and groove. The Ultimate Soul & Jazz Revue, an anthology of American jazz, soul and R&B recorded live at a Copenhagen music festival by Danish saxophonist Benjamin Koppel and his big band, is some first-rate scratch for that itch. Ultimate Soul & Jazz neatly packages Koppel's ...
Continue ReadingAlbare: Plays Jobim Vol. 2
by Jack Bowers
Albare Plays Jobim, Vol. 2 by Moroccan-born, Israeli-raised guitarist Albare (the only name given) isn't quite what it seems. While the names of the musicians and guest artists are listed on the jacket, what is not addressed is the presence of a string orchestra, the only suggestion of which is pianist Joe Chindamo's designation as “orchestra conductor." That's it. Perhaps, however, that is for the best, as the unnamed orchestra is recorded at arm's length and serves essentially as a ...
Continue ReadingDavid Broza: En Casa Limon
by Phillip Woolever
Imitation is often said to be the highest form of flattery, but independent inspiration forged into similar styling is a much higher art. That's the case here with guitarist David Broza, whose admiration for flamenco icons led to a marvelous album holding many delights. After living in Spain during some of his teenage years, Broza's focus over the decades on Spanish guitar comprised various formative influences from folk, blues and acoustic rock, recently melded even tighter with the ...
Continue ReadingHal Galper Quintet: Live At The Berlin Philharmonic 1977
by Dan McClenaghan
It must be gratifying to accomplish everything you set out to do. Pianist Hal Galper says he has done just that. And, after a career that included work with trumpeter Chet Baker and saxophonists Cannonball Adderley and Stan Getz, along with a ten year stint in saxophonist Phil Woods' band (1980-1990), followed by ten years of touring and recording with his own trio, that claim would have been a valid one then, before the dawn of the new millennium. But ...
Continue ReadingPtah Williams, Larry Kornfeld, Rob Silverman: Rhythm City
by Jim Worsley
Herbie Hancock's “Chameleon" is about as familiar as any jazz tune could be. If you are going to cover such a classic, you best have your reimagining skills ship shape and polished. A trio consisting of pianist Ptah Williams, drummer Rob Silverman, and bassist Larry Kornfeld was up to the challenge with this and several other well-known songs. The three St. Louis jazzmen delivered “Chameleon" with a funked-up keyboard stretch which focuses on the complete work, not just bouncing off ...
Continue ReadingDavid Broza: En Casa Limon
by Kyle Simpler
If any instrument captures the spirit of Spain, it is the guitar. Performers such as Tomatito and Paco De Lucia have helped bring flamenco guitar to a global audience, and both have recorded albums at the Casa Limón Studios in Madrid. This studio has a certain mystique about it, and is where David Broza recorded En Casa Limón . Broza has a well-established career as a singer-songwriter, but this album highlights his talent as a musician. Broza was ...
Continue ReadingRandy Brecker: Fusion Pioneer Still Blazing The Trails
by Jim Worsley
One of the greatest musicians of the past half century, Randy Brecker, continues to impress with his compositions, his playing, and his endurance. The famed trumpeter has released no less than eight records over the past couple of years! They are all unique on to themselves with only Brecker's familiar and sweet sound in common. That sound is unmistakable, yet ever evolving. He is as current as much as he is a legend. Brecker continues to move forward with the ...
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