Articles by J Hunter

Rob Derke & the NYJAZZ Quartet: Blue Divide

by J Hunter
January 2, 2014

The name “NYJAZZ Quartet" does beg the question, “What is New York Jazz?" Even narrowing the definition to “home grown" music doesn't help, since that range runs from the mainstream sounds of Birdland and the Blue Note to the next-level avant-garde associated with Smalls and the late lamented Knitting Factory. With Blue Divide, saxman Rob Derke and his three extraordinary partners --pianist Aruan Ortiz, bassist Carlo De Rosa, and drummer Eric McPherson--have managed to mash those two contrary sub-genres into ...

J Hunter's 2013 Top 10 Countdown

by J Hunter
December 23, 2013

"Tis the season to do countdowns Fa la la la lahhh, la lahh lahh lahhhhhhh..." Okay, okay, not one of the most original openings ever written. But don't worry: There's plenty of originality to be had on the ten bundles of fabulousness listed below: 10... Etienne Charles Creole Soul (Culture Shock Music) Still in his 20's, Charles has been racking up Mozart-like career accomplishments since he left Juilliard, and his latest release kicks open ...

Dave Holland: Prism

by J Hunter
August 27, 2013

Although über-bassist Dave Holland made his bones with one of Miles Davis' early electric bands, the lion's share of the British native's own music has come from the acoustic side of the scale. As such, longtime Holland fans will receive a major shock with their first listen to Prism. Those fans will need open ears and patience; everyone else just needs a volume control that goes to 11. The opening Fender Rhodes vamp on Kevin Eubanks' “The ...

Christian McBride & Inside Straight: People Music

by J Hunter
May 20, 2013

Musicians create bands for many things: To gather like-minded artists together, or to achieve some grand artistic vision; Christian McBride created Inside Straight to get a gig. It seems Village Vanguard owner Lorraine Gordon loved McBride but wouldn't book him with his regular, fusion-heavy outfit--or, as Gordon put it, “that rock 'n' roll band." Necessity is the mother, as they say, so McBride built Inside Straight. The thing is, he might have overreacted a tad, because the group's first release ...

It's an Upstate Thing: John Medeski and Lee Shaw; Joe Barna and Sketches Of Influence

by J Hunter
March 6, 2011

It's time once again to prove that all the great jazz in New York State isn't all made in New York City. The state capital of Albany has been doing its part for quite some time, and it doesn't stop with its two favorite musical sons: mallets wizard Stefon Harris and baritone saxman Nick Brignola. Here are the latest offerings from the Capital Region, both of them recorded live--one from an inspiring octogenarian pianist and the pupil who made it ...

J Hunter's Best Releases of 2010

by J Hunter
January 9, 2011

Counting down the best releases of 2010: Allison Miller Boom Tic Boom Foxhaven 2010 Anyone with job references as diverse as organ icon Dr. Lonnie Smith and indie singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco must have something interesting to say, and drummer Allison Miller proves that out. Boom Tic Boom is a square-peggish gumbo that flirts with the chaotic but never loses its way. Avant-garde pianist Myra Melford adds thrilling depth and boundless thought, and ...

Michael Dease, Mike Fahie: Attack of the Killer Trombones!

by J Hunter
September 15, 2010

The trombone: long locked into a stereotypical role formed by Dixieland, and only occasionally broken since. Fortunately, the last few years have seen more and more trombonists following J.J. Johnson's lead and bringing the instrument out front. Four discs with trombones at their center have stood out so far in 2010; two are reviewed here, two more will follow in a sequel. Michael DeaseGraceJazz Legacy Productions2010 Michael Dease was ...

New Voices: Sarah Manning, John Escreet, Kneebody

by J Hunter
September 8, 2010

Jazz is like the human body. It needs fresh air, constant activity and a steady stream of nutrients to stay hale and hearty. Conversely, if all the genre does is sit in a comfy chair and try to live on what came before, it becomes sedentary, incurious and--ultimately--self destructive. Fortunately, the young keep jazz active and alive. Here are a few examples of the new kids on the block. Sarah ManningDandelion ClockPosi-Tone

Robillard & Crownover / Samuel Torres / Andy Cotton: Let's Party!

by J Hunter
June 7, 2010

Memorial Day, 2010 has come and gone, which means summer is right on its heels. And with summer comes further--and louder--reasons to fire up the grill, cool down the beer (or whatever), and get friends and/or family together to celebrate...well, whatever occasion is handy, up to and including surviving the work week. A party without music is like a party without a snacks table, but who says that music has to be boring or predictable? Here are three suggestions for ...

David Binney: Aliso

by J Hunter
May 24, 2010

For Aliso, reedman David Binney wanted to get back to “doing things that have been part of my life since I was a kid." It's clear that any time is a good time for a happy childhood, because both Binney and his band dive into Aliso like 10 year-olds on vacation at Disney World.

The opening title track has a gritty New York feel reminiscent of the mid-century era Criss Cross likes to revisit. The groove is complex and rich, ...