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The Jazz Historian: John Edward Hasse
by B.D. Lenz
Jazz is not simply a style of music; it is also a culture. The impact of this cultural force has had many ups and downs throughout the last century but, undeniably, has been felt worldwide across all nations and all languages. With such a storied past, it's important that an account of its beginnings and those ...
Duke Ellington's Top Ten Albums
by DIG 9000
Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, released numerous albums throughout his illustrious career. It's challenging to narrow down his extensive discography to just ten, but here are some essential Duke Ellington albums that showcase his incredible talent and contribution to jazz: Ellington at Newport Columbia Records 1956 ...
Alan Ferber: Enneadic Endeavors
by Dan Bilawsky
When Alan Ferber was first finding his way as a Californian-turned-New Yorker near the dawn of the new millennium, he didn't know many people on his adopted scene. So logically, he used composing--for nonet, among other configurations--as a means for networking and fostering connections. “I don't like cold calling people; I just like to put projects ...
Duets From Strangers And Old Friends
by Jerome Wilson
The first of these duo recordings is from two musicians meeting for the first time. The second comes from long-time acquaintances. The compatibility of the playing on both is so high you would be hard-pressed to tell which was which. Pierrick Pedron & Gonzalo Rubalcaba Pedron Rubalcaba Gazebo 2023
Ryan Kisor: Power Source
by C. Andrew Hovan
Taking full advantage of what might be termed his “second wind," Ryan Kisor has grown into one of the most mature trumpeters of his generation. Back in 1990 when he impressed his elders by taking the prize at the Thelonious Monk Institute trumpet competition, things appeared promising and a major record label deal even came through ...
Mike Melito: To Swing Is The Thing
by Jack Bowers
The leader of any group whose credo is To Swing Is the Thing had best enlist some hired hands whose propensity to swing is sure and steady, regardless of mood or tempo. Veteran drummer Mike Melito's talented quintet runs that course without breaking a sweat, lending Melito all the help he needs to keep his eighth ...
MIke Melito: To Swing Is The Thing
by Pierre Giroux
Rochester NY native Mike Melito is an fine drummer who has been active on the jazz scene for many years. His whose drumming style was inspired by Roy McCurdy, who was an integral part of the jazz groups fronted by both Nat Adderley and Julian “Cannonball" Adderley. With a wide-ride cymbal beat and fluid phrasing, Melito's ...
Introducing Vocalist April Varner
by Sanford Josephson
The 1957 Verve album, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book, contained 38 tracks, including some of the best-known tunes associated with Ellington such as “Solitude," “Satin Doll," and “I'm Beginning to See the Light." Contestants in this year's sixth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, sponsored by Blues Alley Jazz, were asked to select ...
Recent Jazz Releases including a new one from Kenny Barron
by Jerome Wilson
Here are reviews of a diverse selection of jazz releases from the past few months. Allegra Levy Songs For You And Me Little Moon Records 2023 Vocalist Allegra Levy has made a children's music album for the most natural of reasons. She became a mother in 2021, ...
Rich Thompson: Who Do You Have to Know?
by Jack Bowers
Veteran drummer Rich Thompson ushers a lithe and swinging quartet through its paces on his latest album, Who Do You Have to Know? (the answer to which, alas, is not forthcoming). This is basically late-night jazz, the kind often reserved for after-hours jam sessions whose participants are fully engaged in the task at hand and hold ...
