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Steve Tavaglione

Marilyn Scott: The Landscape

Read "The Landscape" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
June 16, 2022

Some artists feel obligated to put out a new record every one-point-three years, or whatever their factory warranty calls for (mileage may vary). Others are more interested in quality than quantity. On her first record since Standard Blue (Prana, 2017), jazz vocalist Marilyn Scott has something to say about The Landscape. More than the title track, Scott's concerns with our landscape is the scope and focus of seven original compositions, all co-written with pianists Russ Ferrante or Scott Kinsey. Scott ...

Album Review

Rique Pantoja: Live In Los Angeles

Read "Live In Los Angeles" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
June 14, 2022

Live in Los Angeles was first released in 2001 and this is a remastering and reissue. It says something good about the compositions and the players that the material remains vital, fresh and bright. There is something about Brazilian music that just ages well, which seemingly accounts for its perennial popularity. You can call it what you want: “smooth jazz," “fusion," “samba pop," “Afro-Latino." The labels hardly matter. Music that makes one feel alive and vibrant, that recharges one's mood ...

Album Review

ARC Trio and the John Daversa Big Band: ARCeology: The Music of MSM Schmidt

Read "ARCeology: The Music of MSM Schmidt" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
June 10, 2022

What would happen if fusion, already a hybrid of musical genres, was compounded with the sound of big-band? Further, that both genres were stretched well outside the box? An ensemble of bright musical minds came together on just such a project. The results could have been the disastrous soup of too many cooks in the kitchen or, perhaps, something special and creative. Fortunately, they served up an entree which is very much the latter. It starts with quality ...

Album Review

Jimmy Haslip/Scott Kinsey/Gergo Borlai: ARC Trio

by Jim Worsley
March 28, 2020

A distant relative of Jimmy Haslip's first record as a leader, Arc (GRP, 1993), Arc Trio is a breath of fresh air. The core trio of Haslip, Scott Kinsey, and Gergo Borlai intelligently reimagine the fusion genre. While embracing essential elements of fusion past, they bring an enlightened vision to the epicenter as well as a broad spectrum of well-rooted branches. Each song feeds seamlessly into the next in a presentation that is intended to be captured in its entirety. ...

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Album Review

Steve Tavaglione: Silent Singing

by Dave Nathan
October 1, 2000

P>I barely know how to characterize the music on this album. A notch above Kenny G? Music to soothe and stroke while in a dentist's chair? Music to coax a cobra out of its wicker basket? Other? Don't misunderstand me. This music, all originals, can be pretty and melodic. There's even something close to Miles Davis' trumpet by Jeff Beal on “Arabesque". But for the most part, I found most of the CD cloying and eventually boring and depressing. Riddled ...

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Album Review

Various Artists: A Twist of Jobim

Read "A Twist of Jobim" reviewed by Douglas Payne

by Douglas Payne
May 1, 1997

This appropriately “smooth jazz" tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim is perhaps one of the best that's come out over the last few years. Like many of Jobim's records, it goes down like a smooth, relaxing drink. Producer, arranger and nominal leader guitarist Lee Ritenour has collected some fine talent, particularly frequent collaborator Dave Grusin, and crafted some very nice moments throughout. Highlights include “Water to Drink" (featuring Ritenour and Grusin), “Captain Bacardi" (an old Ritenour / Grusin staple with Eric ...