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Article: Liner Notes

David Hazeltine: Blues Quarters, Vol.2

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 29, 2023

A lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge since the last time that David Hazeltine got together with Eric Alexander for the initial 1998 session billed as Blues Quarters Vol.1 (Criss 1188). As strong a showing as the pianist and his cohorts made on that initial release, I think all would agree this latest ...

Article: Liner Notes

David Hazeltine: Close to You

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 28, 2023

New York's a tough town. To be seen and heard among the scores of would-be jazz musicians you have to possess talent that is beyond the everyday and a voice that sets you apart from the crowd. Since settling permanently in the Big Apple in 1992, David Hazeltine has done just that. He's consistently in demand ...

Article: Liner Notes

Conrad Herwig: Obligation

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 17, 2023

Jazz fans tend to be fanatical about those artists that most directly speak to their own musical tastes. Over time, a sense of familiarity with the musical personalities of their iconic favorites becomes entrenched, followed by categorization based on style and genre. Those already familiar with Conrad Herwig's musical endeavors over the past 20 years are ...

Article: Liner Notes

Wycliffe Gordon: What You Dealin' With?

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 2, 2023

Privy to the entire history of jazz trombone via the technological age in which we live, Wycliffe Gordon seems to have utilized this information in such a way that his own playing displays elements from various periods and a technical competence that is indeed remarkable. “I was most familiar, at first, with guys who played with ...

Article: Liner Notes

Jimmy Greene: Gifts and Givers

by C. Andrew Hovan
March 12, 2023

The two-tenor battle is not a new idea, with iconic pairings from the jazz pantheon running the gamut from Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray to Eddie Lockjaw" Davis and Johnny Griffin. In more recent times, Eric Alexander and Grant Stewart have fueled the fire with their own incendiary adventures as heard on the current albums Wailin' ...

Article: Liner Notes

Mike DiRubbo: Human Spirit

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 26, 2023

In an era that seems to more fully embrace the idea of the 'tough young tenor,' alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo puts forth a singular voice that stands apart from the crowd. With exceptions such as Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, and Vincent Herring, DiRubbo is one of the few musicians of this generation to choose the alto ...

Article: Liner Notes

Steve Davis: Systems Blue

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 25, 2023

From Kid Ory to Roswell Rudd, the role of the trombone has changed dramatically over the brief span of jazz history, as we know it. Whether it be keeping a beat via the style of “tailgating," exploring a multitude of textural possibilities through the challenges of the avant-garde, or working somewhere in that middle ground that ...

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Song of the Day

Blues Variant

February 24, 2023

Album: Blues Variant
By Michael Feinberg
Label: Criss Cross
Released: 2023
Duration: 04:11

Article: Liner Notes

Peter Beets: New York Trio Page Two

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 22, 2023

In its relatively short history, American jazz music has established a language that while having some ties to the European tradition is more fully rooted in the rhythms and folk melodies of the African slaves. What is even more significant is the profound impact that the music and musicians have had in breaking social boundaries such ...

Article: Liner Notes

George Colligan: Ultimatum

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 21, 2023

Unlike classical music, where so much of the performance is based on an authentic interpretation of the material, jazz has always been more about inventiveness and the musician's quest to find an original voice. Additionally, some of the most innovative artists in the genre have been known not only for their instrumental prowess, but also for ...