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Dan Faulk: The Dan Faulk Songbook, Vol.1
by Mark F. Turner
A deep appreciation of jazz lies in the intricacies of listening. Dan Faulk’s Songbook would appear as just another post bop saxophone recording. While this is in part true, a closer listen to the fine print reveals maturity, poise and a singular voice.Faulk has recorded and played alongside jazz legends J.J. Johnson and Wayne Shorter, and it’s easy to hear why as he plays with grace and proficiency. The strength of Dan Faulk Songbook, Vol.1 lies in music ...
Continue ReadingSam Newsome: This Masquerade
by C. Andrew Hovan
It's been ten years now since saxophonist Sam Newsome made his debut recording as a leader for Criss Cross Jazz, Sam I Am. Prior to that he had spent five years on the front line of Terrence Blanchard's quintet. Already established within the hard bop community and known as a tenor saxophone stylist of note, Newsome made a bold move in 1995 by focusing exclusively on the soprano horn. Furthermore, he would develop a unique muse in the guise of ...
Continue ReadingSam Newsome: The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn
by C. Andrew Hovan
Picking up the soprano saxophone these days as your sole instrument can be a dangerous proposition. For one thing, the straight clarinet-like horn is notorious for going out of tune if your embouchure is not up to par. Secondly, a whole generation of Kenny G clones has left some fans thinking that the instrument is only capable of insipid and saccharine results. Venerable enough to make the soprano the focus of an entire album, Sam Newsome's The Tender Side of ...
Continue ReadingRene Marie: How Can I Keep From Singing
by C. Michael Bailey
Back To The MAX. The new jazz label, MAXJAZZ, was formally founded with the release of the first four recordings in their “Vocal Series." These recordings included LaVerne Butler's Blues In The City, Carla Cook's It's All About Love (MXJ 106), Christine Hitt's You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (MXJ 107), and Asa Harris' All In Good Time (MXJ 108). All of these recordings garnered critical praise, with It's All About Love being nominated for a Grammy Award. ...
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