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Michael 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 ReadingBrian Landrus: Red List
by Jack Bowers
No matter how one receives his music, there is no doubt that woodwind specialist Brian Landrus' heart is in the right place. Red List, his eleventh album as leader, is dedicated to the preservation of Earth's endangered animal species. Landrus names thirteen, at least five of which--the kakapo, Malayan tiger, gharial, vaquita and Javan rhino--are all but gone, with less than three hundred of each species remaining. In fact, it is estimated that only eight vaquitas (a species of porpoise ...
Continue ReadingBrian Landrus: Red List
by Angelo Leonardi
L'undicesimo disco di Brian Landrus è un progetto a difesa di tredici specie animali minacciate di estinzione. Vegetariano dell'età di 12 anni e poi vegano, il sassofonista di Reno (Nevada) ha sempre operato a sostegno del mondo animale. Per sua stessa ammissione è questa la passione della sua vita, assieme al jazz. L'anno scorso, dopo aver aperto una sottoscrizione su Gofundme.com, Brian ha raccolto un settetto base più ospiti, per registrare quindici nuove composizioni dedicate alle specie minacciate, ...
Continue ReadingA Different Drummer, Pt. 7: Rudy Royston’s Higher Calling
by Karl Ackermann
A look at Rudy Royston's resume tells you that the drummer should be more recognized. Royston has racked up credits with Nate Wooley, Jon Irabagon, Tom Harrell, Aruán Ortiz, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Bill Frisell, JD Allen, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ron Miles, Noah Preminger, Ben Allison, Tim Ries, Alex Sipiagin, Linda May Han Oh, Bruce Barth, Don Byron, Jenny Scheinman, Dave Douglas, and dozens of other top musicians. Royston's association with Douglas led to his first leader album, 303 (Greenleaf Music, 2014) ...
Continue ReadingBoris Kozlov: First Things First
by David A. Orthmann
Bassist Boris Kozlov, pianist Art Hirahara and drummer Rudy Royston often operate as the rhythm section on sessions for the venerable Posi-Tone Records imprint. Regardless of the leader they are serving, they deliver a coherent foundation and frequently extend themselves beyond the parameters of a conservative, strictly supportive role. In short, it is never predictable what they—collectively and individually—will do next, yet the wheels never fall off, and the music is the better for their dazzling, spontaneous flights. Some of ...
Continue ReadingOut To Dinner: Episodes Of Grace
by Kyle Simpler
When Blue Note Records released Eric Dolphy's Out to Lunch! in 1964, they probably did not imagine the album would one day become a jazz classic. However, it remains one of the most influential jazz albums and, in 2022, it was reissued in the Blue Note Classic Vinyl series. In 2019, Posi-Tone Records tapped into the spirit of Dolphy's album with Out To Dinner's Different Flavors. This album proved successful enough for a second release, Play On, in 2021. The ...
Continue ReadingLisa Hilton: Life is Beautiful
by Mike Jurkovic
There's an affirmation of goodness to the music of pianist Lisa Hilton, a quiet something of a positive nature that is known intrinsically true. But the world and its crowded barges of babbling talking heads are frantically convincing us all otherwise. So listen in to Life Is Beautiful before it's all too late. Without flash, pyrotechnic soloing, or virtuoso histrionics, Life is Beautiful casts an aura that envelops and holds. Intimately reworking tunes she has recorded throughout her ...
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