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John Swana and The Philadelphians: Philly Gumbo
by David A. Orthmann
During a decade long association with the Criss Cross imprint, John Swana has produced an impressive aggregate of achievement, 15 discs in all, as a leader or featured sideman. On his own records, Swana usually adheres to the label's practice of utilizing a select pool of New York area musicians, ranging from young firebrands like Eric ...
Mike DiRubbo Quintet: Keep Steppin'
by David A. Orthmann
One of the great pleasures of being a jazz fan is bearing witness as a young musician makes the leap from someone to watch to a powerful, not-to-be-missed performer. Therefore it is deeply satisfying to hear Mike DiRubbo, only two years after his promising debut on Sharp Nine, emerge withKeep Steppin’, a brilliantly realized recording for ...
Tim Ries: Alternate Side
by C. Andrew Hovan
Let's see, where do we start? Tim Ries is a name that will probably be familiar to only the most perceptive jazz followers. He's made a handful of records under his own name as well as appearing with scores of name artists, and not just those of a jazz persuasion. In addition to work with Tom ...
Walt Weiskopf Nonet: Siren
by C. Andrew Hovan
It’s very fitting that in the liner notes to saxophonist and composer Walt Weiskopf’s sixth set as a leader for Criss Cross, writer Bill Milkowski comments on the lack of information or publicity available to the general jazz public on the intrinsic worth of Weiskopf. Whole heartedly concurring, this reviewer has felt that the world has ...
John Campbell: Workin' Out
by David A. Orthmann
In the process of interpreting the compositions of modern jazzmen ranging from Mingus to Hubbard to Shorter, pianist John Campbell embraces the talents of bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Billy Drummond in something akin to an equal partnership. All three are veterans with an abundance of experience in the bands of established leaders. Throughout the record ...
David Hazeltine: Blues Quarters, Volume 1
by David A. Orthmann
In the same elite class as his recent releases on Sharp Nine and Venus, David Hazeltine’sBlues Quarters, Volume I(Criss Cross), conveys the full range of his considerable talent. For this recording Hazeltine utilizes a quartet consisting of his piano, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, bassist Dwayne Burno, and drummer Joe Farnsworth. All three sideman are frequently part ...
Joe Magnarelli Quintet: Mr. Mags
by David A. Orthmann
Over the course of several years, with little fanfare, Joe Magnarelli produced a pair of distinctive small band recordings, each of which exhibited craft and artistic license in equal measure.Why Not, andAlways There, both issued on the Criss Cross label, were not merely vehicles for the trumpeter’s full, burnished tone and patient, thoughtful way of developing ...
One For All: The Long Haul
by David A. Orthmann
Working within the broad parameters of hard-swinging, harmonically sophisticated small-band styles from the 40s, 50s, and 60s, the music of the sextetOne For Allalso reflects the experiences of the individual members outside of their cooperative band. An incomplete but telling list of leaders who have employed and influenced various members of the crew includes Cecil Payne, ...
One For All: The Long Haul
by C. Andrew Hovan
Well, you know what they say. There aren’t any real jazz bands anymore and the opportunities for younger musicians to thrive in a working environment are few and far between. Sure, it’s not what it used to be, but all is really not as bleak as some would want us to believe. Guys like Jason Lindner, ...
David Hazeltine: Blues Quarters Vol. 1
by C. Andrew Hovan
Things have been hopping lately for pianist extraordinaire David Hazeltine. Aside from numerous gigs as a sideman (check him out with Louis Hayes, if you can) and time spent with the sextet One For All, Hazeltine has picked up the pace of his own efforts as a leader. Currently, he has available a tribute to Horace ...
