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Bir: Gypsy Project
by Jim Santella
Re-creating the music of Django Reinhardt, this time focused on the years after 1940, Biréli Lagrène brings back vivid memories: a two-step swing foundation without the usual rhythm section, a soaring Stéphane Grappelli violin melody, and Reinhardt's graceful guitar, trading improvised thoughts. Lagrène is superb. On “Vout et Moi," he transposes the rare solo that guitarist ...
Moutin Reunion Quartet: Power Tree
by Jim Santella
Identical twin brothers François and Louis Moutin know a lot about a lot of things. Theirs is a story that would give any parent room to mutter aloud with mixed emotions. While their mother played piano and guitar for the developing twins, their father taught them to enjoy his vast jazz record collection. François learned to ...
Rosario Giuliani Quartet: Luggage
by Jim Santella
Alto saxophonists are usually compared to Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, Phil Woods, or another widely-known artist who's been identified with that instrument. It's the luggage they carry with them everywhere. Rosario Giuliani, however, has his own voice and needn't be linked. He carries himself lightly for some themes; powerfully heavy for others. Giuliani's tone ...
Michael Nickolas & Ray Greene: We Got By
by Jim Santella
Spirituals and soulful ballads comprise this first duo album from guitarist Michael Nickolas and singer Ray Greene. From Boston, the pair has worked together on other ventures: 17 years. Their empathy shows up in the seamless manner they employ to interpret each smooth song. Theirs is a mature product. Greene sings these comfortable melodies with a ...
Bobby McFerrin: Beyond Words
by Jim Santella
As the universal language, music has always had one problem: how to translate the words so that everyone will understand their meaning. French, Portuguese, English, and several African dialects are quite familiar to jazz fans. Some listen to German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese or Spanish singers often. Are we fluent in these languages? It's not necessary. Pagliacci ...
Norah Jones: Come Away With Me
by Jim Santella
Convincing in her storytellin' role, Norah Jones sings popular ballads with an emphasis on the blues. Her delicate voice sparkles gently alongside the band's twangy guitar chorus and straightforward rhythm section. She accompanies on piano. The title song, resembling a spiritual, beckons the listener to waltz away with her to a place where life will be ...
Reuben Wilson: Organ Blues
by Jim Santella
Reuben Wilson’s blues band settles in nice and cozy. It’s a celebration! Nods to Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff fit appropriately into a session of traditional good time blues. Melvin Butler lends a soulful persona that stands patiently in the shadow of the late Eddie Harris. Grant Green, Jr. and leader Reuben Wilson recall the great ...
Renee Rosnes: Life On Earth
by Jim Santella
With chants and drumbeats from around the world, Renee Rosnes has applied a theme to her latest album by integrating mainstream jazz with creative international elements. Regional characteristics from specific areas of Asia, Africa, North and South America are clearly distinguishable, while the unifying thread of her original piano counterpoint ties them together. Seven of the ...
Bill Carrothers: Duets With Bill Stewart
by Jim Santella
Recorded three years ago, released on the Birdology label, and reissued now by Dreyfus, this duo session brings together two veterans who share a desire to create unique music every time out. Bill Carrothers is 37. Bill Stewart is 35. They're at a point in their careers where creativity and tradition have been united by a ...
Tony Monaco: Master Chops T
by Jim Santella
The title for Tony Monaco's latest album comes from the fiery organist's nickname. Master Chops T was impressive last year in his Summit debut. This year, he's even better. The Hammond B-3 powerhouse unleashes an exciting set with his regular band. There's something in it for everyone – particularly fans of the old organ combo groove. ...
