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Alex Diaz: Beyond 145th Street
by James Nadal
Merengue, the national music of the Dominican Republic ferociously driven by percussive provincial rhythms such as pambiche, perico ripiao, el maco, guinchao and palo, is the natural choice for conga master Alex Diaz to blend his native roots with jazz improvisation in Beyond 145th Street . Diaz and featured saxophonist Ivan Renta continue ...
David Murray Cuban Ensemble: Plays Nat King Cole En Espanol
by James Nadal
Latin music has culturally been intended for dancing and romancing. Any Latin singer or orchestra worth a cover charge has known this, and David Murray the innovative saxophonist absorbing the role of conductor/arranger on Plays Nat King Cole En Español, demonstrates this concept perfectly. In taking on a project that updates the recordings ...
Pauline Jean: A Musical Offering
by James Nadal
The advent and enduring popularity of music videos has allowed artists to break out and garner an audience based on the recording and online posting of their live performances. This trend has been positive for vocalist Pauline Jean, whose mesmerizing performances of “Yoyo" and her signature song, “Dey/Rasenbleman," have led enthusiasts to seek out her 2009 ...
Jo-Yu Chen: Incomplete Soul
by James Nadal
Where most musicians today release a record as a statement that they have arrived, Jo-Yu Chen's recording Incomplete Soul characterizes the ongoing journey of musical exploration which the pianist began with Obsession (Sony, 2010). Opening with the erhu (two-stringed Chinese violin) opening to “The Wandering Songstress," the record is a musical metaphor of Chen herself. In ...
Giacomo Gates: The Revolution Will Be Jazz
by James Nadal
An omnipresent cloud persistently hangs over any tribute album--that the music will be compared to the original. Even though this might seem unfair, it's a fact. Knowing this, jazz vocalist Giacomo Gates dares to venture into the distinctive songbook of Gil Scott-Heron with The Revolution Will Be Jazz, and comes out the other side with a ...
Kickin' it Up a Notch!
by Michael Ricci
Dear fellow contributor, We've had our mojo workin' since July as we continue to improve All About Jazz and roll out new features; we're also looking for two new editors to support our staff. Please read on for the latest...Index 1. Help Wanted: Take Five/iTunes Playlist Editor
Aldemar Valentin: Ficciones
by James Nadal
From Ficciones' opening title track, Aldemar Valentín's ensemble wastes no time in heading right for the fast lane. On his second outing as leader, the bassist/producer has assembled a tight group, with the intent of performing his compositions in a progressive jazz format. Co-producer L. Raúl Romero lays down impressive guitar work throughout, his chord structures ...
John Santos Sextet: Filosofía Caribeña Vol. 1
by James Nadal
John Santos is a sophisticated percussionist with impeccable credentials, so it is no surprise that Filosofía Caribeña, Vol. 1 is a brilliant foray into the broader scope of Caribbean music. As the title infers, there is an inherent rhythmic philosophy ingrained in this music which is as rich and vibrant as the culture which it represents. ...
Kaissa: I Am So Happy
by James Nadal
Blessed with a vocal timbre that invokes aural images of her native Cameroon, Kaïssa carries on the musical traditions of Africa with poise and precision on I Am So Happy, . Staying true to her roots, she sings in the indigenous languages of Doula and Zulu, transcending barriers of translation with a sincerity beyond boundaries or ...
Various Artists: KariJazz Presents Yanvablue
by James Nadal
In attempt to assist the Haitian jazz artists after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, the Karijazz label has released Yanvablue , a double-disc production featuring selections by the best Kreyol Jazz musicians, who cleared and donated the songs, complete with extensive liner notes and musician credits. These musicians remain active, in spite of the ...
