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Classical Jazz Quartet: Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker"
by Jim Santella
Like the Modern Jazz Quartet, the foursome on this new release folds visions of great classical music into a mainstream jazz setting. Tchaikovsky's 1892 ballet has always provided special holiday vibes for the holidays. This year, Bob Belden's musical arrangements have put a new spin on it; still leaving a lot of space for veteran improvisation. ...
Nate Birkey: The Mennonite and Ballads
by Jim Santella
Based in Southern California, trumpeter Nate Birkey has been affiliated with both the mainstream and avant-garde scenes since he finished his studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The leader, who released both albums this year, grew up in Colorado, where he began studying piano at an early age and “fell in love with" his ...
Miles Davis: 'Round About Midnight
by Jim Santella
His Harmon mute brought deep feelings to this title ballad in 1956. It also brought wider recognition to a tenor saxophonist who was just starting to climb the stairs. Four titles from those same recording sessions have been added to the original LP and reissued this year on CD. In that respect, it's been a very ...
Harry Connick, Jr.: 30
by Jim Santella
Recorded just days before his 31st birthday, 30 continues the benchmark concept envisioned with 11, 20 and 25. Harry Connick, Jr. has opted for a suitable mix of vocal features and instrumental numbers this time out. Four multi-platinum and three platinum albums, three gold albums, two Grammy awards, an Emmy, Cable Ace, Golden Globe and Oscar ...
Jane Bunnett: Alma De Santiago
by Jim Santella
Traditional music from Cuba covers a lot of territory. With vocal soloists and chorus, lively charanga flute features, a stellar jazz saxophone quartet, and a 38-piece percussion ensemble, the session stands on familiar ground. However, this is not mere traditional folkloric music. Bebop jazz and Afro-Cuban actions weave an exciting tale of ceremony and a history ...
John McLean: Easy Go
by Jim Santella
Mostly his originals, the session smokes with an authenticity that centers on exciting guitar leadership. By adding organ and tenor saxophone, McLean provides a sound that captures the essence of jazz and rock. Pieces by Woody Shaw, Bill Evans/Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius add a mainstream charm. Hammond organ and guitar go back a long way. ...
Bebo Valdes: El Arte Del Sabor
by Jim Santella
Traditional Cuban music brings a festive mood to any performance. It's music for dancing and it also allows plenty of room for the artists to improvise. Three legendary Cuban artists share equally on this session to reminisce about the development of Latin jazz and its relationship to traditional music. Each is in fine form. Since it's ...
Satoko Fujii Trio: Junction
by Jim Santella
What a trip! From her title track, on down the line, Satoko Fujii's Junction characterizes jazz's modern mainstream as swinging, soulful, and teeming with creative ideas. The music needs outlets like this one in order to grow. Fujii's trio improvises freely, but remains accessible. European classical studies, American jazz traditions, and worldwide folk patterns merge easily ...
Chris Botti: Night Sessions
by Jim Santella
His pure trumpet tone and fluid, conversational style makes contemporary trumpeter Chris Botti something special. Rooted in Miles Davis' later, electronic period and exhibiting Botti's creative ideas, Night Sessions offers smooth, romantic forces along with lighter, hip, upbeat rhythms. His fourth release as leader comes during a hiatus from nearly two years on the road with ...
Pastiche: Pastiche
by Jim Santella
Their cool finger snaps and distinctive melodic air recalls Manhattan Transfer. Jazz singers Sandy Cressman, Jenny Meltzer and Becky West blend in perfect harmony to interpret their program of originals and familiar tunes. Surrounded by tasteful instrumental accompaniment, this San Francisco trio honors jazz and pop tradition. The Beatles' “Blackbird" appears as the original – there's ...
