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Al Williams Jazz Society: Let's Celebrate
by Jim Santella
When was the last time you heard “Cristo Redentor?" Al Williams has included this classic tune on his album for old times' sake, since it's his unofficial theme song. Recorded live at the Long Beach Jazz Festival, the piece features Nolan Shaheed, Herman Riley, Nedra Wheeler and Bobby Lyle with soulful interpretations. While there is no ...
The DiMartino/Osland Jazz Orchestra: Off The Charts
by Jim Santella
The contrast between the voices of Miles Osland and Vince DiMartino makes this edition of big band arrangements more adventuresome than most. Recorded at the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center a year ago, this is one brings out the best yet from Lexington's Arts capital. Osland “sings" through his horn with a blues-tinged expression that recalls ...
Rick Culver: Painted Scarves
by Jim Santella
Light standards with a big band sentiment bring Rick Culver's acoustic mainstream session into focus. Together, the trio creates lovely moods that blend in harmony. When soloing, each artist steps out without straying too far from the familiar melodies. Arranged by the leader, each piece benefits from scripted trio passages that bring the listener to a ...
Bluiett : The Calling
by Jim Santella
Bluiett, Jackson and El'Zabar pour a little of everything into their collaboration. Wordless scat vocals, lyrical ballads, soulful blues, leading-edge exploring, modern jazz, and exotic vocal incantations make for an eclectic session. Kahil El'Zabar sets a fascinating scene with his spiritual singing and natural drum accompaniment. D.D. Jackson applies his adventurous keyboard technique to each of ...
Thelonious Monk: The Columbia Years (1962-1968)
by Jim Santella
The first thing you notice about Monk is the clipped phrases and unexpected turns in his compositions. With Charlie Rouse and above average rhythm sidemen, Thelonious Monk always turned heads. This three-disc compilation includes his familiar compositions as well as those not quite so familiar. They’re all fascinating and worthy of dedicated study. Disc One centers ...
Ed Cherry: The Spirits Speak
by Jim Santella
Straight-ahead guitar from a veteran will do it every time. Ed Cherry's latest recording brings back the spirit of the jazz organ combo. Influences such as Grant Green and Wes Montgomery make themselves known right away. Cherry also credits Sonny Sharrock and Jimi Hendrix among his influences. His “Woo!/Sharrock" rocks the joint in tribute, with high-energy, ...
Ryan Haines: To The Sky
by Jim Santella
Enlisting the services of fellow Air Force Band of the Rockies members, trombonist Ryan Haines has put together a big band session of note. Originally composed as “The Sky Blue Suite," Haines' program captures various aspects of a serviceman's career. There are dark days, frantic scrambles, lovely ballads, and high-flying horns. While the session connotes high ...
Freddie Hubbard: New Colors
by Jim Santella
Freddie Hubbard and his New Jazz Composers Octet dig into the mainstream and come up with a winner. It's a team effort. Most of the selections are arranged by trumpeter David Weiss to reflect group interaction and a robust ensemble sound. Anchored by baritone saxophone and bass, the band aims for a dramatic flair as each ...
Ken Watters Group: Southern Exposure
by Jim Santella
If you were expecting “Way Down upon the Swanee River," forget it. Like his first two albums with brother Harry, trumpeter Ken Watters has put together a session of post-bop material that reflects his New York City dues-payin' background. Watters is from Alabama. This same quartet appeared on last year's Brothers II (Summit), with trombonist Harry ...
Robin Eubanks and Mental Images: Get 2 It
by Jim Santella
Robin Eubanks' electronic trombone is something else. Horn players have been trying for decades to create a vocal-like sound on their instruments. The plunger mute helped brass players when jazz was young. The electronic saxophone and EWI have allowed reed players to play harmony and create inspiring effects; yet, neither instrument has allowed sufficiently for vocal ...
