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Los Angeles Jazz Quartet: Family Song
by Jim Santella
The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet performs original compositions that relate their 3rd album to family and close friends. As with most of modern mainstream acoustic jazz, the compositions are used as a basis from which the artists improvise. That they’ve been together for six years is evident from the manner in which each artist supports the ...
Tim Eyermann: Karla's Fire
by Jim Santella
Life evolves. Saxophonist Tim Eyermann was influenced by Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, and Eric Dolphy. His latest album reflects those early and integral passions clearly; yet it also reflects several influential saxophonists who’ve dominated the recording industry over the past twenty years. Even Kenny G. When improvisation and innovation take a back seat to emotional melodies, ...
Jimmy Bruno Trio: Live At Birdland II
by Jim Santella
With guest Scott Hamilton sitting in on half the album, Jimmy Bruno’s session oozes with guitar and bass technique. However, as happens sometimes, the increased technical prowess causes Bruno’s session to lose some of its swing. His guitar pick produces blistering single-note runs that thrill the listener. In doing so, he’s overlooked the need for added ...
Oscar Brown, Jr.: Movin' On
by Jim Santella
Recorded in 1972 as [Atlantic 1629], Movin' On was previously out-of-print and never before available on CD. Oscar Brown Junior's blues-rooted lyrics caused heads to turn when this one was released; and that was before sexual harassment and politically correct social guidelines became commonplace. Brown's original songs are mostly tongue-in-cheek political statements that allow the listener ...
Michel Petrucciani: Solo Live
by Jim Santella
Recorded in 1997 before a large auditorium audience in Frankfurt, Germany, Michel Petrucciani’s solo album offers a good look at his expressive style. The pianist’s respect for a melody and unique left-hand accents make his performance both interesting and enjoyable. Born in France with a bone disease, Petrucciani was a child prodigy who learned rapidly and ...
George Matoian: Straight Ahead
by Jim Santella
Originally from Illinois, tenor saxophonist George Matoian has worked the clubs for 35 years. From Long Beach, California blues bands in smoky joints along the coast, to other Los Angeles area establishments, Matoian has paid his dues. And it shows in his music. Picking up an education along with his experience, the saxophonist has a degree ...
David Wasik: The WAZ - Melodic Hypnotic
by Jim Santella
Miles Davis spawned generations of “hip" artists after 1970 when he championed the fusion of jazz with rock music. Instruments and techniques from the world of hard rock combined with the trumpeter’s unmistakable force and produced an updated product. It was one that would attract a growing audience. David Wasik’s quartet is rooted in jazz; however, ...
Jacky Terrasson: What It Is
by Jim Santella
What it is, is hot jazz. With guest Mino Cinelu lending a dynamic pulse, pianist Jacky Terrasson has created a session that (1) reminds us why he won the 1993 Thelonious Monk Piano Competition, and (2) offers proof that his internship with Betty Carter helped him develop and sharpen these creative skills. Terrasson’s powerful piano artistry ...
Rebecca Barry: And Then Some
by Jim Santella
A classically-trained saxophonist who went on to study with Ellis Marsalis and Ed Peterson at the University of New Orleans while working toward her master’s degree, 23-year-old Rebecca Barry debuts with mainstream reverence and a strong supporting cast. The session starts with an ultra-fast “And Then Some," Barry’s composition, which highlights a very high technical skill ...
Danny L: Danny's Island
by Jim Santella
Smooth jazz saxophonist Danny Lérman fuses flowing lyrical melodies with some embellishment to create a pleasant session. He’s backed by programmed hip hop beats, dreamy keyboard surroundings, and pulsating electric bass rhythms. Guest artists and a few creative arrangements make the session well rounded, but the emphasis is on the leader’s pleasant sound and well-groomed format. ...
