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Randy Brecker: Some Skunk Funk & Soul Bop Band-Live
by Jim Santella
Ever since his early years with the Brecker Brothers and Blood, Sweat & Tears, Randy Brecker has pioneered the fusion of jazz and rock. He has a contemporary sound that's broad and powerful enough to unite many, if not all, of us under one umbrella. Randy BreckerSome Skunk FunkTelarc
Francisco Mela: Melao
by Jim Santella
Working with an all-star group of artists in a variety of settings, drummer Francisco Mela drives with the spirit of Cuban fire behind him. Born in Cuba and resident in Boston, the thirty-something percussionist has created a fine keepsake for his first recording as leader. Nine originals and one Ornette Coleman tune feature different guitar and ...
Jerry Vivino: Walkin
by Jim Santella
Jerry Vivino has put together a fine straight-ahead session that also includes New Orleans funk, Latin jazz, bossa nova and highly creative improvised romps in several other styles. Vivino's thirteen years with the Max Weinberg 7 in support of Conan O'Brien's late night television show has helped to convince him that variety works. Working ...
Jenny Davis: It Amazes Me
by Jim Santella
In a relaxed, acoustic setting with jazz standards filling the room, Seattle vocalist Jenny Davis combines her comfortable demeanor with a throwback charm that recalls those who have come before. Through her lyric interpretations and wordless scat singing, we can feel the distant memories of masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Mel Tormé. ...
Jamie Davis: It
by Jim Santella
Vocalist Jamie Davis is a veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra. So are several of the sidemen who appear on this pleasant big band album. As they interpret a dozen familiar songs, you can feel the memories returning. Davis' clear, resonant baritone voice takes you out for a night on the town, and it leaves you ...
John Zorn: A Bookshelf On Top Of The Sky
by Jim Santella
John Zorn A Bookshelf On Top Of The Sky Tzadik 2004 Who is John Zorn? Claudia Heuermann answers the question with a revealing biographical documentary. She spent ten years with Zorn--interviewing and watching, listening and asking, following him everywhere in order to discover the essence of ...
Mark Elf: Liftoff
by Jim Santella
Guitarist Mark Elf enjoys the rush of re-interpreting music by masters such as John Coltrane. He also enjoys creating fiery originals that allow him to work out on the instrument the way Trane did. It doesn't matter that one played saxophone and other plays guitar, since both artists share a deep appreciation for the creation of ...
Anjani: Blue Alert
by Jim Santella
With its program of popular songs by Leonard Cohen and Anjani Thomas, Blue Alert settles in gently for an audience in love. Don't look for sheets of riveting sound to fill the room with propulsive action, or thunderous backbeats to shake your bones in a fascinating rhythmic groove. This is not that kind of album. Anjani's ...
Magnificent Mendez
by Jim Santella
Magnificent Méndez Dr. Jane W. Hickman and Dr. Del Lyren Softcover; 161 pages Second Edition Hickman Music Editions 2005 Rafael Méndez (1906-1981) was often billed as “The World's Greatest Trumpeter, and he had the chops to back it up. As evidenced by Jane Hickman's and Del ...
Daniel Smith: Bebop Bassoon
by Jim Santella
The unique sound of a bassoon brings a considerable amount of restraint to jazz. By its nature, the centuries-old instrument provides a suitable avenue for channeling cool, laid-back ventures; classical music has long depicted its gentle spirit with subtlety. Bassoonist Daniel Smith swings with hearty passion on this recording, alongside an acoustic piano trio that does ...
