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Kate McGarry: Show Me
by Jim Santella
With her program of romantic kinship, Kate McGarry reaches around the world to distant lands. Her phrasing, meanwhile, carries an unmistakable resemblance to Carmen McRae. Fresh and strong, the singer's delivery blends with piano, bass, drums and guitar to evoke mainstream jazz sentiments.Scat singing on “East of the Sun," McGarry improvises as an instrumentalist. ...
Jane Ira Bloom: Sometimes The Magic
by Jim Santella
Sweeping right and left past the microphone, Jane Ira Bloom throws sound around the room, as a visual artist would apply paint on canvas. The directional movement provides a unique sound to her work and serves to highlight the feelings she wishes to express. Romantic and refreshing, Bloom's tenth recording as leader features her soprano saxophone ...
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 ...
Knut Haugsoen: Step And A Half
by Jim Santella
Pianist Knut Haugsoen has a knack for bringing like-minded artists together. A natural leader, he assembles artists who can interpret his plans and make them flow seamlessly through teamwork. The result is a listenable program that we find smooth; yet with plenty of substance. All save three tracks are Haugsoen's originals. He writes scenic melodies for ...
Miles Davis: The Essential Miles Davis
by Jim Santella
A seminal figure in the growth and development of jazz, Miles Davis helped move the genre from bebop to smooth jazz. Sony Music arranges the phases of Davis' achievements into five major periods: 1955-1961 Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Kind Of Blue 1957-1968 Miles Davis, Gil Evans: their collaborations 1965-1968 Miles Davis ...
The Dave Brubeck Quartet: At Carnegie Hall
by Jim Santella
In his original liner notes for this incredible 1963 session, George T. Simon discusses the music with Dave Brubeck in detail. Brubeck says, “Remember, everything has to be just right for every man in the group if the entire concert is really to come off." And it did. Originally released as Columbia [C2S 826], this 2-disc ...
Curtis Stigers: Baby Plays Around
by Jim Santella
While still a teenager, Curtis Stigers sat in with Gene Harris on Tuesday nights in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. His seamless vocal phrasing and soulful expression seem made for jazz singing. Stigers started his professional career playing tenor sax in local blues bands. No wonder he sounds, at times, like Ray Charles. And yet, Curtis ...
Wingnut: Color
by Jim Santella
As their web site indicates, Wingnut draws from hip-hop, funk, soul, trance, and jazz. Mostly instrumental music colored with Hammond B-3 and Fender Rhodes, the trio's hip presentation is intended to foster creativity and still appeal to a broad audience. Wingnut is Michael Stark, Walt Lorenzut and Zaun Marshburn. “Galoshes" contains vocal tracks that add lyrics ...
Hugh Ragin: Fanfare & Fiesta
by Jim Santella
Recorded last June, this session moves in three distinct directions. Two cameo appearances by Clark Terry invite a lighthearted swing element. The title track moves toward creative improvised music, and yet is still in line with the mainstream. The remainder of the album invites unpredictable behavior through composed counterpoint and exciting solo performances. Hugh Ragin, 50, ...
Bill Berry and his Ellington All-Stars: For Duke
by Jim Santella
Originally released on LP when it was recorded in 1978, this album features a true all-star lineup. Each artist solos in this heartfelt tribute session. The harmony of “Mood Indigo" serves as a strong reminder of how each member of Duke Ellington's orchestra was allowed his own say. Marshal Royal lifts spirits with his bouncing alto ...
