Jazz Articles about Ugonna Okegwo

About Ugonna Okegwo

Album Review

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 ...

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Album Review

Sam Newsome: The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn

Read "The Tender Side of Sammy Straighthorn" reviewed by C. Andrew Hovan

by C. Andrew Hovan
November 1, 2000

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 ...

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Album Review

Rene Marie: How Can I Keep From Singing

Read "How Can I Keep From Singing" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
May 1, 2000

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. ...