Home » Search Center » Results: Jim Santella
Results for "Jim Santella"
Martial Solal & Johnny Griffin: In & Out
by Jim Santella
Two outstanding improvisers make this duet session thrilling from start to finish. The pair begins and ends with recognized standards, while filling out the inside with songs they’ve written (three apiece). Martial Solal’s crisp keyboard approach blends seamlessly with Johnny Griffin’s lyrical playfulness. Both piano and saxophone sustain by employing tremolos and energetic cascades. Solal’s creative ...
Joey DeFrancesco: Incredible!
by Jim Santella
He’s not yet 30, but Joey DeFrancesco earned his veteran stripes a long time ago. His B-3 performance on this latest Incredible! album ranges from hot and heavy to cool and lyrical. The organist drives Dizzy Gillespie’s “The Champ" and Charlie Parker’s favored “Indiana" into the streets with exciting solos from his working band: Paul Bollenback ...
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet: Them Dirty Blues
by Jim Santella
Quite familiar to the world’s jazz audience, “Dat Dere," “Work Song" and many more were brought to us by the Adderley brothers. This reissue brings together two sessions, recorded February 1 and March 29, 1960 in New York and Chicago. The New York date features Bobby Timmons, while the later, Chicago date substitutes Barry Harris. Originally ...
Andr: We Got It Good And That Ain
by Jim Santella
André Previn’s piano brings us theme and variations on songs associated with composer Duke Ellington. Bassist David Finck provides subtle accompaniment and lyrical interludes. The pieces themselves are like old friends. And here they’re treated with respect. So sit down, my friends, and tell me how you’ve been lately. The titles from Ellington’s blues-based songs represent ...
Luqman Hamza: When A Smile Overtakes A Frown
by Jim Santella
Kansas City singer Luqman Hamza hasn’t gotten much recognition around the world. Not yet. Accurate, articulate, pleasant-sounding, and a natural phraser, he communicates with his audience. Also a fine pianist, Hamza takes the piano chair on four tracks. The straight-ahead jazz session includes solos and fours from guitar, sax, piano & drums in support of the ...
Phil DeGreg: Whirl Away
by Jim Santella
Pianist Phil DeGreg combines hot bop, the blues, and modal melodies on his second J Curve album. His modern mainstream approach to jazz emphasizes the lyrical side, while supplying lively rhythmic substance. DeGreg’s quintet moves from unison saxophone & guitar or unison piano & guitar to extended solo work, keeping each piece lively through syncopation and ...
Erik Truffaz: The Mask
by Jim Santella
Erik Truffaz's sweet, open trumpet tone reveals the influence of a 1970s Miles Davis. The Fender Rhodes with echo serves to drive that message home. Most of the compilation employs acoustic bass and a tasteful drummer in the mainstream jazz tradition. However, it's the French trumpeter's intimacy with Davis' fusion periods that takes center stage. From ...
Charlie Hunter: Charlie Hunter
by Jim Santella
Grabbing at the traditional roots of jazz, Charlie Hunter explores the possibilities. His instrument provides a bass line, chordal harmony and plucky melodies. Hunter’s 7th release contains ample variety; six of the nine tracks are fresh originals. Both horns provide outstanding additions to the band; particularly on the charging “Nothin’ But Trouble." Highly recommended, Charlie Hunter’s ...
Snowboy and the Latin Section: Afro Cuban Jazz
by Jim Santella
Snowboy, who has recorded nine albums with his band The Latin Section, combines an acid jazz texture with traditional Afro-Cuban chants and rhythms. Using a basic call & response format atop lively rhythms, the leader colors his performance with Fender Rhodes and Hammond Organ timbres. The result is a hot dance affair that’s anchored by Snowboy’s ...
Rosemary Clooney: Brazil
by Jim Santella
Like her songbook albums representing Harold Arlen, Jimmy Van Heusen, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein, classy Rosemary Clooney’s latest release is dedicated in part to a writer of beautiful songs: Antonio Carlos Jobim. Her presentation, surrounded by an outstanding supporting cast, remains mellow, natural, and all acoustic. Tempos, ...
