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Dave Brubeck: The Essential Dave Brubeck
by Jim Santella
Dave Brubeck represents a generation of hard-working adults who followed World War II with ambition and success. At a time when retraining and advanced schooling helped millions to launch new careers, the pianist was adjusting to a new form of jazz. As the Modern Jazz Quartet formed its own distinctive air, Brubeck was coupling classical sounds ...
Argenti & Rosa: To The Old Friendship
by Jim Santella
Two forward-leaning jazz artists team up for this session of modern sounds. The 40-minute program features creative improvisation based on all original compositions. Pianist Ferdinando Argenti pushes the envelope with deep percussive thrusts in support of his soaring melodic airs. Guitarist Enrico Rosa comes from the Wes Montgomery school of melodic interpretation. Together, the two swing ...
Bill Mays Trio: Going Home
by Jim Santella
Dedicated to the memory of Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell and Jimmy Rowles, Bill Mays' thirteenth album as leader features straight-ahead jazz adventures with mellow overtones. While each of the three veteran artists making up this piano trio have been known to stretch out on occasion, their Going Home session simmers gently with a rustic quality.
Brian Trainor: Tangled Roots
by Jim Santella
For the sake of love and genuine friendship, Brian Trainor composed this suite of mellow tunes. Each depicts one special aspect of a specific personal relationship. At the same time, Trainor’s impressionism allows the listener to share in those themes. Dancing a tango, riding bicycles together, sharing quiet moments, discussing world affairs and personal thoughts: these ...
Mike Vax Big Band: Live... On The Road
by Jim Santella
Featuring alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra and original music in the Kenton style, Mike Vax’s big band recorded Live... On The Road while on tour through Pennsylvania two years ago. A significant number of exciting soloists and fresh musical arrangements make the show quite successful. What defines the Kenton sound? ...
Charlie Mariano: Deep In A Dream
by Jim Santella
Charlie Mariano’s album of straight-ahead, romantic ballads couldn’t have come at a better time. His quartet delivers a timeless message that serves as medicine for whatever ails ya. The saxophonist has chosen eight songs deserving wider recognition in this day and age. He’s added one original, “Dew Drops,” in which the traditional spirit of ...
Sonic Explorers: So Far, So Near
by Jim Santella
Formed in 1995, the Sonic Explorers mold jazz’s modern mainstream according to established, down to earth principles. A healthy respect for tone, as well as a desire to make the listener’s journey fresh and alive, keeps the session on edge-of-your-seat territory. Trumpeter Jerry Sabatini wrote the music. Each piece stirs the listener’s emotions in suite-like fashion ...
Coral MacFarland Thuet: Abriendo Puertas
by Jim Santella
Heartfelt ballads and sensual laments make Coral MacFarland Thuet’s quartet session simmer with quiet emotion. The blend of acoustic guitar, acoustic cello, flute and voice stands apart as a unique entity. The tonal combination lends itself to mournful refrains and hymns of solemn praise. Thuet sings these lovely, traditional ballads in Spanish and ...
John Stetch: Standards
by Jim Santella
John Stetch doesn’t do ordinary. The pianist’s latest release allows him plenty of elbowroom as he interprets classics from the heyday of modern jazz. Stetch confesses, “Some of these tunes are like etudes or exercises.” The challenge of making familiar pieces such as “Embraceable You” and “Stella By Starlight” sound new ...
Various Artists: Jazz After Dark
by Jim Santella
Slow jazz, a cozy fireplace and the right companionship. Who could ask for anything more? Playboy Jazz seeks out and finds the real thing on Jazz After Dark, a two-disc collection of downtempo numbers. Each of these slow ballads comes with a serious pedigree. Duke Ellington and his orchestra feature Johnny Hodges on ...
