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Orrin Evans: Hot Irons In The Fire
by R.J. DeLuke
A pianist with great chops, great touch and an attack that fancies many influences from fierce swing to gospel, Orrin Evans is one of the outstanding creative musicians on the New York City scene. His work, no matter what the context--and he loves different contexts--is downright riveting at times. But for the 38-year-old who ...
David Binney: Anacapa
by John Kelman
Some artists move forward in great leaps and bounds, while others evolve more slowly, over longer periods of time. David Binney is one of those rare musicians who manage to do both. While a sampling of some of his recent albums, such as Bastion of Sanity (2005), Cities and Desire (2006) and Aliso (2010l, all on ...
Opus 5: Progression
by Andrew Luhn
In the world of jazz the quintet is an established tradition. The standard quintet format has been one of the most common throughout the history of the music. It's a hard format to mess up, but it's an even harder format in which to stand out. On their most recent recording, Progression, Opus 5 stands out ...
David Binney: Anacapa
by Andrew Luhn
Listeners who have followed alto saxophonist David Binney's extensive discography know that rock is an intrinsic ingredient of his music. While the rock influence is almost always present, Binney's regular releases and appearances on Criss Cross Records have usually remained rooted in acoustic jazz. On Anacapa, Binney takes Criss Cross Records in a much more electric ...
Seamus Blake and Chris Cheek: Reeds Ramble
by Edward Blanco
As leader of the 1995 funky, alternative/electronic music group The Bloomdaddies, saxophonist Seamus Blake released the band's debut album Bloomdaddies (Criss Cross 1110, 1996) that included fellow reed man Chris Cheek among the personnel. Twenty-years later, after forging independent careers as sidemen, big band soloists and leaders of their own groups, on Reeds Ramble, Blake and ...
Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band: Mother's Touch
by Mark Corroto
Nobody does big bands these days. Nobody. Not without institutional support like a university or a foundation. Not unless you are Orrin Evans. The Philadelphia pianist writes and arranges music so appealing, a revolving cast of musicians can't resist playing his music. While we will never see an independent outfit like the Captain Black Big Band, ...
Seamus Blake and Chris Cheek: Reeds Ramble
by Bruce Lindsay
Saxophonists Seamus Blake and Chris Cheek are both into their third decades as professional musicians. Their working relationship goes back to the early-90s when Cheek was a member of Blake's “alternative grunge jazz" band The Bloomdaddies. On Reeds Ramble (the title is borrowed from a tune written by guitarist Jerry Reed) the two men lead a ...
Zach Brock: Purple Sounds
by John Kelman
Virtuosity isn't defined by notes-per-minute; true virtuosity is instrumental mastery surrendering to the demands of the song. Sometimes that can mean shredding with furious intensity, yes; but the real deal also respects music that demands less, rather than more. Violinist Zach Brock is, indeed, the real deal, and Purple Sounds, his second release for Holland's Criss ...
Misha Tsiganov: Misha Tsiganov: The Artistry Of The Standard
by Edward Blanco
Veteran Russian pianist Misha Tsiganov has an extensive discography featuring original compositions and, like most musicians, blending a few standards for familiarity along the way. With The Artistry Of The Standard, the pianist presents an entire album of standards reprising the music of jazz greats Wayne Shorter, Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane among others. ...
Donald Edwards: Evolution of An Influenced Mind
by Mark F. Turner
With Evolution of An Influenced Mind , drummer Donald Edwards makes a piercing statement about his percussiveness and musicality. Having gained attention for his craftsmanship on a number of noteworthy Criss Cross dates-- Introducing Opus 5 (2011) and Orrin Evans's excellent It was Beauty (2013)--Edwards's debut on the prolific Dutch jazz label is a cohesive work ...
