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Andy Middleton: Nomad's Notebook
by David A. Orthmann
Tenor and soprano saxophonist Andy Middleton’s third disc as a leader is a mixed bag of middle-eastern melodies, jazz-rock fusion (played with acoustic instruments), and pieces that fit comfortably in the modern mainstream of jazz. The unifying element in all of this music is the exemplary musicianship of Middleton and his core band of guitarist and ...
Cedar Walton: The Maestro
by David A. Orthmann
There’s a lot of memorable music on this reissue of two sessions recorded a decade apart. The common element is the presence of longtime Walton associates, bassist David Williams and drummer Billy Higgins, who play on all 12 tracks. The music from December, 1980 (tracks 1-8) includes tenor saxophonist Bob Berg (the fourth member of the ...
Jim Rotondi: Excursions
by David A. Orthmann
During the course of Excursions, his third disc as a leader for the Criss Cross imprint, Jim Rotondi continually finds ways of breathing new life into the straight-ahead, three horns and rhythm format. Rotondi has written and chosen a variety of tunes ranging from up and medium tempo swingers (“Angel Eyes,” “Shortcake,” “Little Karin”) to a ...
Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams: Motor City Scene
by David A. Orthmann
A reissue of a session originally released in 1961, Motor City Scene is an excellent example of the wealth of talent in the Detroit area during the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Co-led by trumpeter Donald Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, the cast includes a veritable who’s who of jazzmen on their respective instruments: pianist Tommy ...
Bruce Williams: Altoicity
by David A. Orthmann
The music on Bruce Williams’ Altoicity covers a variety of jazz styles from the past 60 years. Along with his front line partner, trumpeter Russell Gunn, and the formidable support of pianist Marc Cary, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Cecil Brooks III (who doubles as the disc’s producer), the alto saxophonist displays his fluency in frameworks ...
Joe Locke: Beauty Burning
by David A. Orthmann
On Beauty Burning, the fourteenth release under his own name, it's clear that vibraphonist Joe Locke was interested in making a good recording rather than merely providing a showcase for his own considerable talents. The disc is a thoughtful mixture of intimate, finely tuned ensemble playing and capable solos by the leader, pianist Frank Kimbrough, bassist ...
Eric Alexander: The First Milestone
by David A. Orthmann
With the release of The First Milestone, Eric Alexander continues to make the transition from a young, hard-blowing tenor saxophonist to a mature soloist and leader of interesting small bands. Alexander is simply getting better at what he’s been doing quite well all along; that is, making high-energy music largely based on the spectrum of straight-ahead ...
Ron Blake: Up Front and Personal
by David A. Orthmann
Up Front and Personal, tenor and soprano saxophonist Ron Blake’s long overdue debut as a leader, exhibits a healthy respect for the jazz tradition and a willingness to step into the future. The disc features Blake and a kinetic rhythm section consisting of pianist Shedrick Mitchell, bassist Reuben Rogers, and the drums and cymbals of Greg ...
Eric Alexander: Alexander The Great
by David A. Orthmann
Among the numerous projects in which Eric Alexander was involved during the nineteen- nineties (including a dozen records under his own name and approximately three times as many as a sideman) was his ongoing involvement in the soul-jazz band of the late Charles Earland. Alexander’s stint with “The Mighty Burner” was his first major gig after ...
Shelly Manne: Boss Sounds!
by David A. Orthmann
Although jazzmen based on the West Coast are frequently regarded as rhythmically moribund compared to their East Coast counterparts, there’s nothing effete about Boss Sounds!, a reissue of a 1966 Atlantic release. Recorded live at his club in Hollywood, Shelly Manne sets the pace with his lively yet precise drumming. With an impressive array of rhythms ...
