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Daily articles carefully curated by the All About Jazz staff. Read our popular and future articles.
Donald Vega: With Respect To Monty
by Dan Bilawsky
When pianist Donald Vega put together Spiritual Nature (Resonance Records, 2012), he presented an arresting mix of music that shined a light on some of his influences. There was a touch of Scriabin in the mix, pointing to classical music; a nod to pianist Oscar Peterson by way of bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen's “Future Child"; a showing of respect toward mentor/employer Ron Carter via the bassist's “First Trip"; and, perhaps most tellingly of all, the inclusion of two numbers from ...
read moreDonald Vega: Spiritual Nature
by Dan Bilawsky
Some musicians willingly praise anybody who simply picks up an instrument, but bassist Ron Carter isn't known to be one of them. The legendary bass master has incredibly high standards and a reputation for telling it like it is, so an endorsement from Carter really means something. The fact that he hails Donald Vega as “the next piano voice" in jazz, and selected him to be Mulgrew Miller's successor in his trio, should serve as evidence of Vega's abilities, but ...
read moreDonald Vega: Tomorrows
by Elliott Simon
Combined with a forward-looking mindset and an emotional depth not often found on initial offerings, Tomorrows has all the things that a debut should: breadth of style, fresh approach and intimacy that lets one get to know the artist. Pianist Donald Vega, who fled from Nicaragua, has faced much adversity in his young life and impresses with a positive lyrical style. He has wisely chosen to round out his trio with drummer Lewis Nash and bassist David J. Grossman. The ...
read moreTake Five With Donald Vega
by Donald Vega
Meet Donald Vega:Donald Vega's style and virtuosity on piano, along with his passion for composing and arranging, mark this young artist as a unique and exciting presence in the world of jazz. His recent competitive winnings include first place at the 2008 Philips Jazz Piano Competition at the University of West Florida and the 2007 Down Beat Magazine Jazz Student Soloist award. Vega's first album as a leader, Tomorrows, was released in 2008. Tomorrows adds ...
read moreDonald Vega: Tomorrows
by Woodrow Wilkins
Pianist Donald Vega wastes no time warming up on his debut, Tomorrows. The opening track, aptly titled “Wake Up!," gets things going right away. Vega won Down Beat Magazine's 2007 jazz Student Soloist Award and first place at the University of West Florida's Philips Jazz Piano Competition in 2008. He studies at the renowned Julliard School of Music with piano great Kenny Barron. Accompanying him on his debut release as a leader are Lewis Nash on drums and ...
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