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Chucho Vald: Briyumba Palo Congo
by Jim Santella
Using an augmented piano trio for his latest project, Chucho Valdés has put together a session of Afro-Cuban excitement with unique tributes to Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. Lyrical acoustic bassist Francisco Rubio Pampin insures that the swing never strays too far from center. Several percussionists and guest vocalists, including Valdés’ sister Mayra round out the ...
Chick Corea & Origin: Change
by Jim Santella
Chick Corea uses more through-writing on his latest Origin album, and it works; partly because the composer succeeds in this area of artistic achievement, and partly because his sextet is so laden with talent. With Corea's compositions, you get an intricate painting that captures the details many artists overlook. His arrangements insure that the instrumental voices ...
Marcelo Zarvos: Labyrinths
by Jim Santella
For his second album, pianist Marcelo Zarvos has written a volume of chamber jazz pieces that maximize the lyrical nature attained when interweaving soprano saxophone, cello, and piano melodies. His counterpoint contains elements from Zarvos’ native Brazil as well as from his parents’ Greek homeland. The universal language of music ties cultures together readily through shared ...
Wynton Marsalis: Marsalis Plays Monk: Standard Time Volume 4
by Jim Santella
Recorded in 1983 and 1994, Wynton Marsalis’ homage to composer and pianist Thelonious Monk has the orchestral sound that encompasses many of the trumpeter’s recordings. His cohesive ensemble arrangements feature each member with brief individual solo statements that fit together seamlessly. Analogous to the tactics of a basketball team, Marsalis’ septet “passes the ball" from trombonist ...
Prysm: Second Rhythm
by Jim Santella
From France, the modern mainstream piano trio of drummer Benjamin Henocq, bassist Christophe Wallemme and pianist Pierre de Bethmann sparks excitement. At times lively and at times somber, the trio combines a love of straight-ahead jazz with lush harmonies and a variety of enthusiastic rhythms. Bassist Wallemme begins “Extension" with an ostinato that serves to set ...
Abby & Norm Group: Volume 1: The Book Of Norm
by Jim Santella
It's fitting that Norman Zocher's “Til Death Do Us Part" lopes along as a loving ballad that pairs his electric guitar with Abigail Aronson's electric bass. The gospel-tinged composition finds the quartet supporting each as they speak out in a conversational style, sometimes in perfect harmony and sometimes seeing things differently. The comfortable 6/8 rhythm includes ...
Dave Weckl: Synergy
by Jim Santella
Contemporary jazz offers featured roles for electric guitar, electric bass, horns and keyboard. And then there’s the drummer. No longer a timekeeper, the drummer sits amid his extended set of percussion instruments and propels his band with a variety of tools. Dave Weckl employs practiced rudiments on his large set to create patterns that interact with ...
Various Artists: A Summit Jazz Adventure
by Jim Santella
Samplers are useful to buyers when they provide a representative selection of an artist’s or label’s wares. They offer the listener an opportunity to obtain a feel for the product. Summit’s sampler is over an hour long, provides selections from sixteen different albums, and includes the artistry of a wide range of artists. “Boplicity" is a ...
Ray Bryant: Alone At Montreux
by Jim Santella
A little more than a year ago, Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt won Academy Awards for their roles in the film As Good As It Gets. In one memorable scene, Nicholson turns to the male costar, an artist, and remarks, “If that did it for me I’d be the luckiest guy in the world" (or words ...
Frank Vignola: Deja Vu
by Jim Santella
Songs by Cream, Carole King, Bob Marley, Isaac Hayes, Elvis Costello, David Crosby, Sting, and John Lennon make up much of Frank Vignola's latest album. The guitarist treats them with respect, offering familiar melodies and standard rhythms while stepping up occasionally to improvise. Vignola's smooth guitar sound embellishes each favorite tune; he's supported by drums, electric ...
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