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Ferdinando Argenti: Argenti
by Jim Santella
His developmental environments have helped to determine the eclectic nature of Ferdinando Argenti's small group jazz album. As a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, the pianist has immersed himself in the world of improvisation. His piano trio original “Pisa Nova" smokes. As a native of Pisa, Italy who grew up listening to ...
Various Artists: Jazz Memories
by Jim Santella
Bebop was still the new kid on the block when these memorable jazz events occurred. The scope of the sessions on this 2-CD boxed set runs from 1947 to 1962, with Duke Ellington's 1967 solo piano dedication of “Lotus Blossom" the lone exception. All capture that 1950's spirit of the pioneer with a new music at ...
Various Artists: Jazzy Christmas
by Jim Santella
Straight-ahead jazz for Christmas. Three veteran Los Angeles-based piano trios and two other, rather unique, ensembles interpret traditional holiday music tastefully. ‘Tis the season. Each ensemble performs two carols. Patrice Rushen, Stanley Clarke and Ngudu Chancler bring an exotic flavor to “We Three Kings." The pianist’s art leaves classic tinges of dissonance in several places for ...
Various Artists: Justin Time For Christmas: Three
by Jim Santella
Justin Time's eclectic catalogue treats the holiday season to timeless material. From Bach to boogie, a wide variety suits this time of the year. Frosted windowpanes and frosted drinking glasses nudge our attitudes along the path that we need – badly – to round out the year. As a time for reflection and a time for ...
Kitty Margolis: Left Coast Life
by Jim Santella
Jazz has a long history in San Francisco. Kitty Margolis, who grew up hangin' at the Keystone Korner, sings about the people who make the Golden Gate city unique. Settled by the Spanish centuries ago and shaken unequivocally by the Gold Rush of 1849, the city has harbored all kinds of people. The last 50 years ...
Andy Williams: Live: Christmas Treasures
by Jim Santella
“It's the most wonderful time of the year." Andy Williams has been reminding us annually for over 40 years. Concord Records is distributing this compilation of the veteran crooner's live holiday performances. Representing the period 1962-1974, the program finds Williams in fine form. These are cherished memories. A children's choir, piano trio, adult chorus, studio orchestra ...
Various Artists: MAXJAZZ Holiday
by Jim Santella
The holiday season always brings pleasant surprises to those who wish it. It's a time for letting go of the routine and having a little fun. It's also a time for making plans for the year ahead and doing something to ensure success. MAXJAZZ has. Their catalogue features seven singers with modest reputations. Six are represented ...
D.D. Jackson: Sigame
by Jim Santella
D.D. Jackson's piano trio opens his latest album with a down-home flavor. Laid back and wholesome, the piece forms an instant association with Ray Charles. Jackson's improvisation, however, moves off into a different, desired direction. More adventurous than most, the pianist stretches his blues tinge across the keyboard in favor of dynamic inflection. All the compositions ...
Neil Leonard: Timaeus
by Jim Santella
New music and jazz flow from Neil Leonard's creative imagination. In the same way that “Rhapsody in Blue" pioneered a blend, Leonard's compositions mix a little swing with a wide variety of different effects. Sci-fi films are loaded with these unusual sounds. However, it's Leonard's alto saxophone that provides substance. He expresses soulful ballads and provides ...
Bill Anschell: When Cooler Heads Prevail
by Jim Santella
Splitting his session between originals and familiar gems, pianist Bill Anschell brings his third recording as leader to a wider audience. As Nnenna Freelon's musical director in the '90s, he gained experience with the kind of songs that reach out and touch someone. Anschell's web site contains plenty of biographical information. The pianist's arrangement, here, of ...
