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Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trios: Songs from My Father
by Jack Bowers
Songs from My Father. What a marvelous idea!—and not simply for the sentiment. Drummer Gerry Gibbs' father happens to be Hall of Fame vibraphonist (and sometime song writer) Terry Gibbs, who is still on the scene at ninety-seven (and, in fact, making a guest appearance on the first disc of this superlative two-CD set). Eighteen of the elder Gibbs' songs, written between 1949 and 1985 (and one more, “Tango for Terry," by the late Chick Corea) are performed by four ...
Continue ReadingGreg Skaff: Polaris
by C. Andrew Hovan
The pandemic year of 2020 brought with it very little in terms of artistic endeavors, thanks to lockdowns and stay home orders. Yet even under extreme conditions, guitarist Greg Skaff managed to commit to tape some genuinely sublime music that is sure to be remembered as one of 2021'a most memorable releases. Of course, Skaff has been at the forefront of modern jazz guitar since his first big break in the '80s working with the legendary Stanley Turrentine.
Continue ReadingHank Mobley: The Complete Hank Mobley Blue Note Sessions 1963-70
by C. Andrew Hovan
The music world has changed considerably since Michael Cuscuna and Charlie Lourie founded their boutique reissue label Mosaic Records back in 1983. From its inception, vinyl was still the preferred format, shortly to be overtaken by the popularity of the compact disc. At the cusp of vinyl's recent resurgence, Mosaic briefly got back into that format only to find themselves on the brink of closing up shop. Fortunately, the powers that be have forged on and recent CD boxed sets ...
Continue Reading2019 Detroit Jazz Festival
by C. Andrew Hovan
Detroit Jazz Festival Hart Plaza Detroit, Michigan August 30-September 2, 2019 According to the official count, the 40th edition of the largest free jazz festival in North America drew a record crowd numbering some 325,000. Boasting four stages as part of the festival footprint, there seemed to be a reduction in the total number of performances this year. Furthermore, even a cursory look at the schedule revealed more than a fair share of names that ...
Continue ReadingRon Carter: The Paragon of Bass Virtuosity
by Jim Worsley
Some half a century ago, iconic bassist Ron Carter had already dynamically impacted the jazz world with his advanced rhythmic cadences and his artistic vision with the second great Miles Davis quintet. The sumptuous and indelible mark that Carter and his bandmates left on jazz history is well-documented. An educated, articulate and determined man, Carter's journey led to countless groundbreaking recordings and live performances. His intuitive and brilliantly conceived projects as a leader have paved a career that has enlightened ...
Continue ReadingRon Carter Quartet At Regattabar
by Peter Jurew
Ron Carter Quartet Regattabar Cambridge, MA February 22, 2019 You are the “World's Greatest Jazz Bassist," as a sign used to say at The Knickerbocker Saloon in New York City, where you and Cedar Walton held forth for many years. You have been at the top of your profession for sixty years, becoming the most recorded bassist in history along the way. Your bottom end musical offspring abound: since Kennedy was president, ...
Continue ReadingDavid Hazeltine: The Time Is Now
by David A. Orthmann
David Hazeltine's thirty-fourth date as a leader juxtaposes his strengths as a composer, interpreter of standard material, improviser, as well as the capacity to converse and interact with his peers. There's something magical about the ways in which the pianist employs these skills, avoiding emphasizing one at the expense of the others, and in doing so fashioning tracks that are balanced, agreeable, incisive, and substantive. It's fascinating to consistently hear him chart a middle course, melding emotion and intellect while ...
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