Jazz Articles about Rob Adkins

About Rob Adkins

Album Review

Ragtime takes its name from the ragged rhythmic patterns created by syncopated melodies played against a regular, steady bass line. The result is a lively and energetic sound that predates traditional jazz and swing. Among ragtime's foremost exponents was Scott Joplin, whose music was reintroduced to the public in 1973 via Paul Newman and Robert Redford's blockbuster film, The Sting. Talented as Joplin was, however, ragtime had much more to offer, a sentiment that is proven true more ...

Album Review

Ricky Alexander: Just Found Joy

Read "Just Found Joy" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
June 18, 2024

The odd picture on the cover of Ricky Alexander's Just Found Joy is neither a takeaway from The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (Capitol, 1966) album cover, nor a play on the GOAT acronym. Actually, the album art was photographed at the Store Barns Farm in Downstate New York. This is a superb album of a dozen (less one original) older classic hits played by traditional jazz adepts--if not GOATS--who excel performing in this genre. “People Will Say ...

Album Review

Molly Ryan: Sweepin' the Blues Away

Read "Sweepin' the Blues Away" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
March 28, 2023

New York City-based vocalist Molly Ryan makes an auspicious impression from the outset on her latest album, leading her splendid back-up quartet through the charming song, “Get Yourself a New Broom (and Sweep the Blues Away)" a light-hearted but little- known treasure written in 1938 by Ted Koehler & Harold Arlen. Ryan seems to specialize in unearthing such overlooked gems, presenting several other prototypes in an anthology that spans the years 1909 to 1941. Even to someone ...