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Jazz Articles about Richie Barshay
Andrew Green: Dime Dancing: The Music Of Steely Dan
by Mark Sullivan
It is not hard to imagine jazz versions of Steely Dan songs, as they are rich in knotty harmonies and dark lyrics that belie their mainstream pop success. But you would probably have to be guitarist Andrew Green to imagine them arranged for chamber ensembles dominated by woodwinds and strings (as well as vocalist Miriam Waks and Green's guitar). Ironically, Green's dramatic departure from the iconic recordings grew out of his love for them: he was convinced that no rock ...
Continue ReadingOscar Penas: Music Of Departures And Returns
by Dan Bilawsky
In putting together his fourth album, guitarist Oscar Penas looked to composers he connects with, songs that speak to him, and originals that fit comfortably with the rest. That's the concept here, plain and simple, and the end result is a thirty-eight minute beauty that's alluring and completely accessible. Two different rhythm sections and three guests come and go during these eight tracks, but Penas' presence ties everything together. The first three numbers--a cheery choro featuring clarinetist ...
Continue ReadingOscar Penas: From Now On
by Dan Bilawsky
The music on From Now On is modern jazz marinated in the seductive flavors of Spain and South America. Guitarist Oscar Peñas' path lead him from Barcelona to Brooklyn, NY, and this geographic duality is ever-present in the intriguing blend of music that's presented on this, his debut for BJU records. While Iberian-influenced guitar lines often set the stage and thread their way through the music, this record goes well-beyond any single style or influence. Peñas' writing ...
Continue ReadingRichie Barshay: Homework
by Elliott Simon
There is a bit more than a hint of Indian drumming in “Clouds - intro," the somewhat airy invitational cut on Homework, from percussionist Richie Barshay. It doesn't prepare for the sonic onslaught that follows. From the sound of this offering, Barshay has been studying Indian percussive forms and instruments that are the foundation to this truly global session. Although the Indian feel is pronounced throughout--Josh Feinberg's sitar reemphasizes this on a heady “Return Voyage" that includes ...
Continue ReadingNando Michelin Trio: Duende
by AAJ Italy Staff
Pianista eclettico e versatile, Nando Michelin è anche un raffinato compositore dalle mille sfumature, che coprono stili del jazz e culture musicali assai diverse: fra tutte il Brasile ed anche l'India, citata attraverso l'uso di tablas. Nel suo primo disco per la Fresh Sound - il settimo da leader -, si ritrovano alcune caratteristiche formali e di pratica strumentale che lo impongono all'attenzione del grande pubblico: fantasia; dinamismo ritmico; ottimo interplay; felice scelta dei compagni d'avventura. A cominciare dal batterista ...
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