Home » Search Center » Results: Glenn Astarita
Results for "Glenn Astarita"
Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky & Evelin Petrova: Chonyi Together
by Glenn Astarita
On first appearance, and knowing the historical track record of the venerable Leo Records label, my immediate assumptions were that of “free-jazz” accordion-trumpet duets. Well, after the first listen this writer’s initial postulations were proven incorrect, as “Chonyi Together” is a strikingly unique affair, which gets high marks for ingenuity and charm. Russia’s Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky (trumpet) ...
Pierre Dorge & New Jungle Orchestra: Music From The Danish Jungle
by Glenn Astarita
Released in 1996, Music From The Danish Jungle represents a good snapshot of a thriving and ever evolving Danish jazz scene. A haven for American jazz musicians seeking acceptance from audiences during the 1960's and early 1970's, Denmark has stood on firm ground in the jazz arena for many years. Prior to the influx of American ...
Vince Mendoza: Epiphany
by Glenn Astarita
This writer first became aware of composer/arranger Vince Mendoza back in the 1980’s. His Blue Note releases, “Start Here” and “Instructions Inside” both featured an assemblage of cutting edge modern day jazz musicians such as, Peter Erskine and John Scofield. Mendoza’s writing and arranging skills were much ballyhooed; hence, critical acclaim was at his doorstep. Since ...
Tommy Smith: The Sound of Love
by Glenn Astarita
This writer first became aware of Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith upon hearing Gary Burton’s 1987 ECM release “Whiz Kids”. Smith, a graduate and recipient of a full scholarship at the Berklee School of Music is an indisputable talent. From the onset, Smith displays remarkable maturity and uncanny savvy for such a young lad. On “Sound of ...
Mnemonists: Horde
by Glenn Astarita
The Mnemonists are a group of composers and musicians who hail from Fort Collins, Colorado. “Horde” was originally released on their own DYS label in 1981 and re-released by the adventurous ReR label in 1985, presumably on LP. The Mnemonists eventually became “Biota” and as the press kit states “The Mnemonists name was retained by the ...
BIOTA: Object Holder
by Glenn Astarita
“Object Holder” is Biota’s 12th release and as we celebrate the origins of Biota with the re-release of the Mnemonists “Horde” (see AAJ April 99’ review) it seems appropriate to shed some light on Biota’s latest release. Analogous to the music and era depicted on “Horde” which was recorded 20 years ago, “Object Holder” is a ...
The Houdini's: "Best Of" The Houdini's
by Glenn Astarita
This exciting Dutch band has been in existence for approximately 10 years and as the press release declares: “There is no sextet sounding more like a big band than The Houdini’s”. This statement could not be further from the truth. All of the excitement is captured “live” in Australia at the Kiama Jazz Festival in the ...
Pierre Dorge & New Jungle Orchestra: China Jungle
by Glenn Astarita
It’s hard to find fault with Danish based Pierre Dorge and his “New Jungle Orchestra”, as they are one of the best working bands in jazz. Released in 1997, “China Jungle” represents NJO at their best as they continue to derive cross-cultural elements and meld them into a uniquely identifiable sound, which serves as a hallmark ...
Joe Locke Quintet: Slander (And Other Love Songs)
by Glenn Astarita
Vibraphonist Joe Locke has been a much in demand session musician for several years but steps out as a leader and composer in impressive fashion on “Slander (And Other Love Songs)”. Locke’s “Song For Cables”, commences with verve and exhilaration as the seasoned rhythm section of Rufus Reid (b) and Gene Jackson (d) set an up-tempo ...
Kenneth Knudsen & Christian Skeel: Music for Eyes
by Glenn Astarita
Recorded in Copenhagen Denmark 1997, “Music for Eyes” represents the dual efforts of synthesists-composers Kenneth Knudsen and Christian Skeel. Having heard (via word of mouth) of Knudsen’s work, this writer’s curiosity was appeased upon receipt of this CD. Here, Knudsen (synths and keyboards) and Keel (samplers, computers) team up and engage in minimalist ambient-electronic pieces that ...
Album Showcase
Trending
Jazz Raconteurs
Julius Hemphill: Marty Ehrlich and Tim Berne Remember a...
In Tribute To...
John Coltrane At 100: A Global Perspective
History of Jazz
John Coltrane in Detroit: A Brief History
Live Review
Detroit Jazz Festival 2026: A Gathering in a Great Jazz City
Profile
Sequoia Snyder: Growing in the Light of the Masters
Interview
Jasur Khalilov: From Falak to Fusion
Profile
The Discreet Charm of Tete Montoliu
VOTE!
