Results for "Mike Jacobs"

Ben Monder: Hydra

by Mike Jacobs
July 22, 2024

Stylistically hard-to-describe artists are nothing new. However, with Ben Monder's solo excursions, one often feels the need to issue a warning/disclaimer that might read something like, “Caution--Exiting Known Musical Universe." The 24-minute title track from his album Hydra (Sunnyside, 2013) indeed melds techniques and generic signposts from jazz, rock, medieval and modern classical music, but it ...

Mike Jacobs

Troker: Principe Charro

by Mike Jacobs
June 7, 2024

Rudder: Lucky Beard

by Mike Jacobs
March 30, 2024

It's hard to figure how a band populated by esteemed players such as Henry Hey (keys), Tim LeFebvre (bass), Chris Cheek (sax) and Keith Carlock (drums) could remain so firmly off so many people's radar. While Rudder's penchant for staying off the beaten stylistic path may have something to do with this, it also makes them ...

Kneebody: Kneebodi

by Mike Jacobs
March 29, 2024

Oz Noy: Which Way Is Up?

by Mike Jacobs
March 28, 2024

Will Bernard 4-Tet: Medicine Hat

by Mike Jacobs
March 27, 2024

Chris Potter Underground: Open Minds

by Mike Jacobs
March 23, 2024

This under-an-hour doc from 2009 is not only a satisfying snapshot of one of Chris Potter's most durable and exciting lineups but is also an insightful piece on band dynamics, material development and performance ethos in jazz. Filmed largely in the legendary (and now-defunct) 55 Bar, it also cannot help but deliver accompanying bittersweet pangs for ...

Carles Benavent: Sevillona

by Mike Jacobs
March 8, 2024

Zoot Horn Rollo: Mask #4

by Mike Jacobs
March 8, 2024

Guitarist Zoot Horn Rollo's (Bill Harkleroad) attempted follow-up to 2000's We Saw A Bozo Under The Sea was unfortunately aborted before its completion but that makes the four tracks (or “Masks") that did survive all the more piquant little delicacies. “Mask #4" revels as much in its NOLA-tinged groove as it does its unmistakable Beefheart genetic ...