Articles by Kyle Simpler
David Broza and Omer Avital: Brozajazz: Paris Alhambra
by Kyle Simpler
When jazz fusion comes to mind, the default association is generally jazz-rock. But fusion is far more expansive, as Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza proves on BrozaJazz: Paris Alhambra. Here, Broza's lifelong love of jazz meets Mediterranean, flamenco and folk traditions, all brought together in an intimate acoustic jazz setting. Broza's affinity for jazz began early. As a child, he absorbed the sounds of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker while his aunt painted in her ...
Continue ReadingCody McCorry: We Used to Cut the Grass #2
by Kyle Simpler
When a band lists Frank Zappa, John Zorn and Sun Ra as some of its major influences, you think you know what to expect. Or do you? That is the question, and Asbury Park, New Jersey composer and bassist Cody McCorry answers it on We Used to Cut the Grass #2. Rather than trying to imitate the influences, McCorry uses them as the foundation for something that comes across as jazz fusion blended with contemporary classical, with a dash of ...
Continue ReadingAtlantis Quartet: Live at Berlin
by Kyle Simpler
Since arriving on the scene in 2006, the Minneapolis-based Atlantis Quartet has established itself as a vital voice in modern jazz. With five albums already under their belt, the group continues to honor tradition while exploring new sonic territory. Live at Berlin captures their remarkable group chemistry during an engagement at the city's newest jazz venue, Berlin. Atlantis Quartet features four of Minnesota's most exciting jazz musicians: saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Chris Bates and drummer ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Although the main Record Store Day event occurs every year in April, the Black Friday drop gives record collectors a chance to find some one-of-a-kind releases to wrap up the year. The list always features music from a wide range of genres, and, of course, there are plenty of jazz releases available. However, these are limited-edition releases offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking the list of available titles beforehand is always helpful, but given the number of titles, it's ...
Continue ReadingHeirloom: Familiar Beginnings
by Kyle Simpler
New music often serves a dual purpose. While it usually introduces fresh sounds, the music's structure generally contains a degree of familiarity, combining recognition with discovery. This idea of exploring new musical territory without abandoning its roots seems to be the guiding concept for the Milwaukee-based quartet Heirloom. With their debut album, Familiar Beginnings, they introduce a refreshing new sound grounded in jazz tradition. The album's title hints at the intersection between discovery and remembrance, and Heirloom delivers ...
Continue ReadingHillai Govreen: Every Other Now
by Kyle Simpler
Many musicians are content to write and perform songs, while others continuously explore deeper territory. Clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer Hillai Govreen belongs firmly to the latter camp. At heart, she is a storyteller, and with Every Other Now, her debut solo release, she creates music that invites not only listening but also imagination. Govreen first drew notice with Allusions (Starr Street, 2021), a duo with pianist Nitsan Kolko, where her sensitivity and command of dialogue came to the ...
Continue ReadingTranscendence: The Music of Pat Metheny
by Kyle Simpler
Although Pat Metheny is known primarily as a guitarist, he has also established himself as one of the most influential composers in modern jazz. His music emphasizes storytelling and emotion over virtuosity. His compositions incorporate various elements from rock, Americana, and world music, adding nuances that appeal to listeners both within and outside the jazz world. With Transcendence: The Music of Pat Metheny, pianist Bob Gluck, along with bassist Christopher Dean Sullivan and drummer Karl Latham, together create a trio ...
Continue Reading50 Years Later: 10 Jazz Albums from 1975 That Deserve Another Spin
by Kyle Simpler
1975 was a landmark year for music, marked by several outstanding album releases. Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks (Columbia), Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti (Swan Song), Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here (Harvest), Frank Zappa's One Size Fits All (DiscReet) and Jeff Beck's Blow by Blow (Epic) were just a few of the titles that have since become classic albums. The year, however, was not entirely dominated by rock albums. 1975 was also an essential year for jazz. ...
Continue ReadingAlex Otey: Darwin AI: Surivior Choice
by Kyle Simpler
Concept albums are uncommon in jazz, but pianist, trumpeter, and composer Alex Otey embraces the challenge with Darwin AI: Survivor Choice. This project blends intellect and groove, presenting Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory in a new light by discussing the implications of artificial intelligence through a hybrid of jazz, rock and beyond. Otey's background shapes the album's overall vision. Before turning to music full-time, he studied physics, worked with the Department of Energy and Agriculture and designed software. These ...
Continue ReadingJames Robert Murphy: Sunday Morning
by Kyle Simpler
Some musicians stick to one style and consistently remain true to it, while others continually explore new sounds and musical styles. Guitarist James Robert Murphy, aka Austin Jimmy Murphy, falls into this second category. He has worked in various genres, but he is clearly a jazz player at heart. With Sunday Morning, he offers a satisfying collection of jazz compositions, grounded in blues, shaded with Americana. Much of this comes as a result of Murphy's eclectic ...
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