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Keys and Screws: Some More Jazz
by John Eyles
In Berlin, in June 2010, a trio calling themselves Boom Box recorded the album Jazz (Jazzwerkstatt, 2011) which was released to considerable acclaim; that group comprised Thomas Borgmann on tenor, soprano and sopranino saxophones plus harmonica, Akira Ando on double-bass and Willi Kellers on drums and percussion, each of whom penned two of the album's six ...
Max Gerl: Tbilisi
by Phillip Woolever
In a four-song display of highly skilled writing and musicianship, Max Gerl provides deep liftoff points for a versatile quartet to roll through thirty-three minutes of distinctly different pieces in a widely comprehensive range of jazz contexts. The songs share similar length and instrumental dexterity, but that's about it. In Gerl's thematic landscape, most uncommon ground ...
Charlie Parker: Birth Of Bebop - Celebrating Bird At 100
by Mark Corroto
Let's face it, there is absolutely nothing new to say about the music of Charlie Parker, unless (insert joke here) you happen to be Phil Schaap. Lao Tzu's quote The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long" is fitting. John Coltrane was 40 when he died in 1967, Eric Dolphy 36 in 1964, ...
Sam Rivers Trio: Ricochet
by Glenn Astarita
Other than new product framed on forward-leaning jazz and improvisational artists, this record label annually resurrects gems from the vaults, evidenced on this adrenaline- fueled recording of the late great saxophonist Sam Rivers and his superstar trio. This follows the label's release of Zenith (No Business, 2019) which is Rivers' quintet caught live at a Berlin ...
Joshua Redman: RoundAgain
by Robert Middleton
A return to the quartet from saxophonist Joshua Redman's Moodswing (Warner Bros., 1994). Yes, 26 years has passed. A great album a generation ago. RoundAgain is a reunion of masters: Redman with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade. Each at the very top of their games and their respective domains. Sax, ...
Horace Tapscott with the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra: Ancestral Echoes – The Covina Sessions, 1976
by Karl Ackermann
When pianist/composer/conductor Horace Tapscott founded the Pan Afrikan People's Arkestra (PAPA) in 1961, it was by design a support collective for all arts, bringing pride to the black community, specifically that of South-Central Los Angeles. PAPA signified social activism, teaching empowerment, and advocating Tapscott's belief that channeling African ancestral roots was a key to succeeding. Tapscott, ...
Gregory Dudzienski Quartet: Beautiful Moments
by Jack Bowers
There are many Beautiful Moments on Chicago-based tenor saxophonist Gregory Dudzienski's second CD under his name, some of which enfold his warm-blooded tenor, others the spirited give-and-take with his blue-chip quartet whose other members are pianist Chris White, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Jeff Stitely. Yes, Dudzienski is heavily influenced by the music of the 1950s ...
Peter Hess Quartet: Present Company
by Jim Worsley
What word to say first, refreshing or wow? Perhaps, wow, this is refreshing! With the assorted amount of experimental jazz that often needed more time in the lab, that is an assault on the unsuspecting ear, the Peter Hess Quartet have concocted their own penicillin. No longer lab rats, minds can be allowed to thrive and ...
Quin Kirchner: The Shadows and The Light
by Mark Corroto
Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam war film, Apocalypse Now, was released in 1979. After sitting for 2 and ½ hours, a viewer might have hoped for theater management to stand at the exits to hand out pamphlets explaining what had just gone down. The conflict had ended 4 years prior, and most war movies, pre- Vietnam, were ...
Robert Thies: Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers
by Robin B James
Delicate, like two wise birds heard singing on a breezepiano and flute, bringing unhurried and relaxed, melodic instrumental wonderment. Consistently contemplative serene movements, weaving a diaphanous kaleidoscopic silk tapestry. Nothing is even remotely fast or moderately hasty, the entire album is a perfect daydream with clouds. Thies and Krajacic create soundscapes that leave enough space in ...

