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Jazz Articles about Rudresh Mahanthappa
About Rudresh Mahanthappa
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
Michael Dease: Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Jack Bowers
Even though all but unsung outside his customary locale, Michigan-based composer Gregg Hill has drawn into his orbit a small but well-respected circle of jazz artists including bassist Rodney Whitaker, guitarist Randy Napoleon and trombonist Michael Dease, all of whom have recorded albums dedicated to Hill's diverse and sophisticated music. Found in Space is Dease's second homage to Hill, with a third one in the planning stages. Hill's compositions, which traverse the spectrum from straight-on jazz to ...
Continue ReadingMichael Dease: Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill
by Paul Rauch
Leaving a legacy in this life is a subject that holds different meanings for people. For some, it involves building a structure of permanence that will stand up to the test of time after one's entrance into eternity. For others, it is more fleeting, something that can be shaped and reshaped, and if desired, completely torn down. For some it is a function of building a monument to oneself. For others, like Central Michigan composer/arranger Gregg Hill, it is a ...
Continue ReadingMichael Dease: Found in Space - The Music of Gregg Hill
by Bill Milkowski
The title itself is revealing. A clever play on words of the old '60s sci-fi show Lost in Space, it immediately suggests an irreverent wit and slightly twisted perspective; qualities that also permeate the unique music of prolific Michigan-based composer Gregg Hill. How this fairly obscure presence on the national music scene has managed to garner such a fervent following remains a mystery to those of us outside the Great Lakes State. Converts include bassist-educator Rodney Whitaker, Director ...
Continue ReadingMichael Dease: Best Next Thing
by Kyle Simpler
Like many other talented musicians, Michael Dease always looks for ways to take his music to the next level. He is continually exploring and looking ahead rather than simply resting on his laurels. Because of this passion and determination, he has earned a reputation as a top session player and as a band leader in his own right. Best Next Thing is Dease's ninth album for Posi-Tone Records, and it is an impressive addition to his discography. With ...
Continue ReadingRudresh Mahanthappa, Emile Parisien & Felix Henkelhausen
by Maurice Hogue
Several debut recordings on this episode for you and music from Rudresh Mahanthappa & his Hero Trio, drummer Maximilian Hering from Germany, bassist Felix Henkelhausen also from Germany, the trio In Real Time (Carol Liebowitz, Adam Lane & Andrew Drury), Argentinean bass clarinetist Emma Famin, French saxophonist Emile Parisien & the striking duo of saxophonist Dave Rempis and drummer Avreeayl Ra. Playlist Andrew Cyrille, Enrico Rava & William Parker “Improvisation No. 1" from 2 Blues For Cecil (Tum ...
Continue ReadingRudresh Mahanthappa: Sounds of Home and Heroes
by Russell Perry
In the 13 years since 2008, the alto saxophone award in the annual Jazz Journalists Association awards program has gone to either Rudresh Mahanthappa or Miguel Zenón ten times. Despite having very different sounds and approaches to the saxophone, their creative paths have much in common. Both began recording around the turn of the century. Both have paid homage to major alto heroes —Mahantahappa to Charlie Parker and Zenón to Ornette Coleman. And both have explored the intersection of their ...
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