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Results for "Jim Santella"
Cindy Blackman: A Lil
by Jim Santella
Drummer Cindy Blackman propels her hard bop ensembles the way Art Blakey did. With a compilation taken from her four Muse recordings (1987-1995), 32 Jazz has found an appropriate way to demonstrate her tasteful leadership while revealing Blackman’s crisp and powerful drum work. That she studied classical percussion at the University of Hartford is evident in ...
Askold Buk: Askold Buk
by Jim Santella
Guitarist Askold Buk writes music to enjoy, music with a back beat, music that combines obvious references to country & western, pop/rock and smooth jazz. With a clear, forceful guitar sound and crisp articulation, Buk lays down an enjoyable session drawn from a lifetime of paying attention to the kinds of music that have been recognized ...
Papo V: At The Point Vol. 2
by Jim Santella
Coming on the heels of last year’s Volume One, Papo Vázquez’ latest installment climbs the ladder as one of this year’s ten best jazz albums. Combining hard bop with Afro-Cuban rhythms, the New York trombonist leads a small ensemble of experienced artists. Keeping the mood authentic, pianist Arturo O’Farrill, bassist Andy Gonzales and conguero Richie Flores ...
Dr. John: Duke Elegant
by Jim Santella
“Boogie now," says Dr. John to the band in his gnarly trademark manner. Merging New Orleans shuffle rhythms, funk, and hip-hop beats in a tribute to Duke Ellington means that the singer and pianist prefers to do things his way. And why not? Dr. John, 59, has been playing and singing roadhouse blues since the 1950s. ...
Eliane Elias: Everything I Love
by Jim Santella
Her light singing voice and light piano touch go hand in hand. Always clear and vibrant, pianist Eliane Elias creates modern mainstream quality every time out. This one is a love letter that she’s put together to honor those who have inspired her. The pianist mentions Bud Powell, Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie, but there are ...
Charlie Byrd: For Louis
by Jim Santella
Recorded only months before he passed away last year, Charlie Byrd’s final recording project was a tribute to Louis Armstrong. Joe Wilder sits in to represent the lyrical side of Armstrong’s sound, holding on to the natural phrasing that has influenced nearly every jazz trumpeter since. Byrd’s nylon string classical acoustic guitar and Wilder’s mellow tone ...
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 ...
Randy Johnston: Homage
by Jim Santella
Guitarist Randy Johnston pays homage to nine influential jazz artists with his 7th recording as leader. Johnston leads a strong quartet that has been augmented with four horns for this session. Rich Shemaria’s straight-ahead arrangements give the ensemble a full, big band sound without burying the individual contributions from each member. The leader’s fluid pick technique, ...
Chucho Vald: Live At The Village Vanguard
by Jim Santella
The high energy Chucho Valdés Quartet frames the leader’s powerful piano melodies with timeless Afro-Cuban rhythmic patterns. Swarming forcefully at the New York nightspot, the pianist shows his audience many different sides of his acoustic jazz piano quartet, from sweet and gentle to highly dramatic. Creative throughout, Valdés moves from traditional dance steps to avant-garde distinction ...
Brian Trainor: Monk And Me
by Jim Santella
Pianist Brian Trainor salutes Thelonious Monk by interpreting four of the legendary artist’s compositions and supplying several of his own. Choosing to work with his piano trio on most tracks (bassist Vince Fay and drummer Bill Jones), the native of Trenton, New Jersey catches fire with a percussive approach that honors both Monk’s quirky piano style ...
