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Kerry Politzer Quartet: Labyrinth
by Ken Franckling
Over the past few years, New England Conservatory graduate Kerry Politzer has emerged as one of the more interesting younger composers on the New York jazz scene. She leads a modern jazz trio and a Brazilian repertoire quartet to showcase her compositions. Labyrinth is her third release since 1999 and it draws from the best of ...
Bill Mays Trio: Live at Jazz Standard
by Ken Franckling
After six years together, pianist Bill Mays, bassist Martin Wind, and drummer Matt Wilson decided to record in the setting where most musicians say magic really happens: feeding off the energy of a live audience. This disc was recorded over three nights last December at New York's Jazz Standard. Mays is one of ...
Moutin Reunion Quartet: Something Like Now
by Ken Franckling
France's twin brother jazz combination, bassist François and drummer Louis Moutin, have just released their third Moutin Reunion Quartet recording in six years since the unit was formed as a showcase for their swinging, original compositions. It's another bop-rooted contemporary odyssey that is delightful in its scope and focus. The band is rounded out by pianist ...
Nnenna Freelon: Blueprint of a Lady: Sketches of Billie Holiday
by Ken Franckling
Nnenna Freelon's latest project pays tribute to singer Billie Holiday in the best possible way--without imitation and putting her own interpretations on material written by or associated with Lady Day. Her band, adjusted to fit the mood of each song, skillfully complements her at every turn. Freelon's phrasing and vocal clarity contribute to an overall feeling ...
Charlie Haden/Liberation Music Orchestra: Not In Our Name
by Ken Franckling
Bassist Charlie Haden and pianist Carla Bley, two of the more eclectic and versatile people in jazz, make a great team as musical conceptualists as a they draw on a shared vision and Bley's knack for sometimes off-kilter large ensemble arranging. It has been 37 years since Charlie Haden and Carla Bley formed ...
2005 Tanglewood Jazz Festival
by Ken Franckling
The Berkshire Hills come alive with the sound of jazz over Labor Day weekend, as the Tanglewood Jazz Festival has become a summer's end arts and culture fixture for western Massachusetts. While it doesn't fit the format of what many of us consider a jazz festival, along the lines of Newport or Saratoga, with ...
John Scofield: That's What I Say; David "Fathead" Newman: I Remember Brother Ray
by Ken Franckling
The music of Ray Charles brings out the soul in us, no matter whether we're listeners or musicians. That was his genius, if you will. And that ability is celebrated and put to the test on the two tribute recordings released around Charles' passing. Both also remind us that his ...
2005 Newport Jazz Festival
by Ken Franckling
The 51st anniversary of edition of the Newport Jazz Festival, known for the past 22 years as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, saved the best for last during its August 12-14 run overlooking fog-shrouded Newport Harbor.The highlight, in a weekend filled with terrific music, was a 90-minute tribute to the great drummer Roy Haynes. The ...
Dave Ballou: Regards
by Ken Franckling
The best bands create collectively. You can tell when that's truly happening by their comfort in subtle comping--or in laying out altogether. Which is not to say they can't play with combined fire when it is called for. That's the key, and what you'll hear throughout trumpeter Dave Balllou's latest recorded adventure. In ...
Kingston International Jazz Festival
by Ken Franckling
The Hudson Valley's resident jazz fans--and visitors--found themselves with two days of musical treasures on June 25-26, when Kingston chooses to celebrate Independence Weekend a week ahead of time.There were two independently produced free jazz festivals in New York's first capitol city. While I was there for Sunday's Kingston International Jazz Festival, down along the ...
