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Willie Morris: Attentive Listening
by David A. Orthmann
Attentive Listening, Willie Morris 's second Posi-Tone release in as many years, documents the continuing evolution of a jazz master in the making. Like last year's Conversation Starter, the tenor saxophonist/composer thrives in the stimulating company of alto saxophonist/alto flutist Patrick Cornelius and pianist Jon Davis. Bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston round out a rhythm section that fuels the record's impressive reach. Early on, Morris' “Water Fountain Of Youth" and “The Imitation Game" are up-tempo ...
Continue ReadingNew Music From Willie Morris, Tomas Fujiwara, George And More
by Bob Osborne
On this show we present new and recent releases from Willie Morris, Tomas Fujiwara, George (Anna Webber with Aurora Nealand, Chiquita Magic & John Hollenbeck), Nicolás Politzer, Christian Dillingham, Graham Collier, Jambal and Tristan de Liège, Elsa Nilsson, Matt Kane, Ilios Steryannis, Teri Parker, Greg Spero, and Makaya McCraven. Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Willie Morris “Tina's Dream" from Conversation Starter (Positone) 00:51 Tomas Fujiwara “Solace" from Pith (Out Of Your Head Records) 08:04 Tomas Fujiwara “Swelter" from Pith ...
Continue ReadingWillie Morris: Conversation Starter
by David A. Orthmann
The story is old, predictable and often exasperating. A virtually unknown jazz musician distinguishes himself or herself as part of the supporting cast on a handful of recordings. And then begins the wait to see if any label will offer the young, deserving player a shot in the driver's seat. Early this year, two releases on Posi-Tone Records stimulated an appetite for more music by Willie Morris. The tenor saxophonist acquitted himself well as an ensemble player, ...
Continue ReadingJosh Lawrence: And That Too
by David A. Orthmann
Less than ten seconds into “Grit," the opening track of Josh Lawrence's latest chapter as a leader for Posi-Tone Records, the trumpeter uncorks a jaw-dropping solo. Set in a brisk, no-nonsense tempo, it does not so much eclipse the music that follows as it sets the tone for the record by declaring that And That Too is playful and deadly serious. Lawrence's rich, full-bodied tone is the entryway to over two minutes of unadulterated invention. Every note ...
Continue ReadingSomething Blue: Personal Preference
by David A. Orthmann
Marc Free produced the second edition of Something Blue to encourage “a wider audience of new listeners" to jazz by presenting “a focused program of concise performances to provide maximum enjoyment." These goals are congruent with Free's trust in his artists. The eleven tracks of Personal Preference do not smack of compromise or a nebulous artistic focus. Free has assembled a band of players with ties to the label who boldly stride through the bop/hard bop/post-bop continuum, utilizing elements from ...
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