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Henry Threadgill Zooid: In for a Penny, In for a Pound
by Mark F. Turner
Don't call this jazz. In a 2013 interview with Larry Appelbaum at the Library of Congress, saxophonist, flautist, and composer Henry Threadgill, in so many words, denounced the association of labelling his music with a diluted categorization. Having performed with free thinking musicians like Muhal Richard Abrams and Anthony Braxton; lead highly regarded and out of ...
José James: Yesterday I Had the Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday
by Mark F. Turner
There are many reasons why singer Billie Holiday is so admired--her captivating beauty, crafted phrasing, and the singular way she imbued emotion through each note. Yet the jazz legend known as “Lady Day" not only sung the blues, she lived it. In a storied life filled with heartaches, hardships and personal demons that included a long ...
Chris Lightcap's Bigmouth: Epicenter
by Mark F. Turner
"Nine South" from New York bassist Chris Lightcap's Epicenter ignites the rhythm sense with its undeniable influence from West African music. Written as part of a commissioned work granted by Chamber Music America New Jazz Works, the piece was inspired by Lightcap's routine drive into Manhattan. Propelled by contagious hooks, fiery solos, and powerful harmonies, the ...
Donny McCaslin: Fast Future
by Mark F. Turner
Saxophonist Donny McCaslin brought a fresh perspective to the acoustic-electronic jazz soundscape with 2012's Casting for Gravity (Greenleaf Music) which earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Instrumental Jazz Solo" for the track “Stadium Jazz." Thankfully it was not a one-off as McCaslin reassembles the tightly knit band and savvy production from saxophonist David Binney in Fast ...
Tesla Manaf: A Man’s Relationship with His Fragile Area
by Mark F. Turner
Unlikely settings can spawn the most interesting results as heard in Indonesian based guitarist Tesla Manaf's A Man's Relationship with His Fragile Area which is one of the most intriguing titles for an album in recent years. The music is equally fascinating--the instrumental persuasions of Manaf's homeland and the slightest hints of his early music inspiration ...
Tigran Hamasyan: Mockroot
by Mark F. Turner
A rising star, pianist Tigran Hamasyan's releases have been fueled by his Armenian heritage and prodigious skills rooted in jazz and classic music training though not limited by either discipline. His debut on Nonesuch Mockroot continues to showcase his many interests which combine voice, electronica, folk and contemporary influences. Where 2014's stunning Shadow ...
Eric Hofbauer Quintet: Prehistoric Jazz – Volumes 1 & 2
by Mark F. Turner
With sure workmanship and untamed inquisitiveness, Boston-based guitarist Eric Hofbauer is no stranger to confronting unusual yet stimulating music. Examples include 2008's uncharacteristic guitar duo The Lady of Khartoum with Garrison Fewell or the striking American solo series--American Vanity (2004), American Fear (2010) and American Grace (2013)--which crossed distinctive terrains of improvisation and covers of iconic ...
Mark F. Turner's Best of 2014
by Mark F. Turner
Typically, when music is labeled it gets thrown into a box that limits its artistic scope. But the four letter word “jazz" in today's environment obliterates typical categorization as found in these diverse releases. Ambrose Akinmusire The imagined savior is far easier to paint (Blue Note)
Gideon Van Gelder: Lighthouse
by Mark F. Turner
Amsterdam-based pianist Gideon van Gelder filters more bright ideas into his appropriately titled sophomore release Lighthouse, the follow up to the enlightening 2011 debut Perpetual (Kindred Spirits Records). This time the program juxtaposes funky ostinato pieces alongside beautiful tone-poem-like selections drawn from a wellspring of influences that include Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Bjork. ...
Steve Khan: Subtext
by Mark F. Turner
From his obscure gems on Columbia Records--Tightrope (1977), The Blue Man (1978) and Arrow (1979), or the critically acclaimed 1980s Eye Witness recordings, to 2011's Latin-tinged Parting Shot (Tone Center), jazz guitarist Steve Khan continues to deliver his unique artistry--exquisite touch, expressive solos, and warm tonality--that's made his music identifiable. Subtext finds that mastery still intact ...
