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Charles Mingus: Tonight At Noon
by Jim Santella
What a major, charismatic figure in jazz. His compositions were filled with fire and ice. His bass playing and piano mastery served to lead stellar ensembles and to reveal Mingus' inner feelings. This album was originally issued in 1964. The two recording dates include changes of personnel. Five compositions by Charles Mingus demonstrate quite well the ...
Renee Rosnes: With A Little Help From My Friends
by Jim Santella
While her compilation spans nearly eleven years and includes various musical companions, Renee Rosnes seldom veers from her established sound. The pianist's timeless formula centers on her crisp improvising technique. Not one to make jokes or approach a situation lightly, Rosnes applies a determined effort for every tune – straight from the heart and powerful. Her ...
Jacky Terrasson:
by Jim Santella
Every nation has its country music. Paris brings to mind cabaret, modal folk melodies, lively dances, classical tradition and hot jazz. Jacky Terrasson looks at Paris from each angle. With acoustic guitarist Bireli Lagrene, the title track simmers in the hot, summertime climate Terrasson knows so well. Guitarist and pianist team up again on “I Wish ...
Barbara Montgomery: Dakini Land
by Jim Santella
A tribute to Chick Corea, Barbara Montgomery's latest album surrounds her rich voice with a cast of veteran artists. Pianists “Father John" D'Amico and Barry Sames carry out their duties admirably, honoring Corea without copying. Six of his compositions are explored on this session, while several Montgomery & Sames collaborations honor the pianist with echoes of ...
Joe Lovano: Flights Of Fancy: Trio Fascination, Edition Two
by Jim Santella
With four decidedly different trios, Joe Lovano pushes the mainstream jazz envelope along its meandering course. The tenor saxophonist’s brusque tone stands apart as distinctively as his passion for molding the art form. This is a blue-collar effort from a creative, dues-paying, veteran artist. Consider the nonstandard combinations the leader employs here. Lovano joins Toots Thielemans ...
Nelda Swiggett Quartet: Hands On
by Jim Santella
Nelda Swiggett’s second recording as leader shows the Seattle-based pianist in a bright and creative light. Refreshing and somewhat (Thelonious) Monk-like, the leader’s piano artistry and original compositions urge her quartet to the creation of an exciting session. Drummer Steve Hill propels with taste while bassist Chuck Bergeron amplifies the rhythm and Brian Kent supplies a ...
Julie Kelly: Into The Light
by Jim Santella
Her vocal qualities and spirit recall Carmen McRae. The piano trio with whom she works takes the listener into a nightclub and away from the bright lights. It’s intimate music. Singer Julie Kelly has captured the charm that turned her on to jazz in the first place. Monk, Brubeck, Basie, Miles and Gil, Mingus, Bobby Hutcherson ...
Frank Portolese: Last Call
by Jim Santella
This is a guitar lover’s album. Frank Portolese plays standards as they’ve been done before and he also turns it loose with a free spirit and a loose structure. Alternating groups, the guitarist works standards with piano trio for six tracks, stretches out with Brian Sandstrom and Rusty Jones for four, and paints the title track ...
Greg Howard Band: Lift
by Jim Santella
Greg Howard's smooth jazz session features saxophone melodies, groove rhythms, and powerful electronic effects. The Chapman Stick, a 10-stringed electric instrument, allows the artist to use both hands, each with a tapping motion. Howard assumes the role of fusion guitarist. Along with Hubert Heeringa's ethereal soprano saxophone lines, he provides a contemporary front line that emphasizes ...
Hendrik Meurkens: New York Nights
by Jim Santella
What is it about jazz harmonica that makes you feel so good inside? Carrying this straight-ahead, New York themed program as featured melody maker, Hendrik Meurkens warms the heart with his lyrical exposition. Maybe it's the primitive nature of the instrument. Most cultures have instruments similar to Meurkens' chosen medium somewhere, back in their earliest historical ...
