Results for "Phillip Woolever"
Diego Pinera: Odd Wisdom

by Phillip Woolever
In certain musical occasions the essence of time is more vividly pronounced than others. That equation is often pronounced clearly in the technique of how a drummer applies various rhythms, and the resulting effect those metrics have on a song or project. Drummer Diego Pinera is a widely travelled percussionist from Uruguay, currently based ...
David Broza: En Casa Limon

by Phillip Woolever
Imitation is often said to be the highest form of flattery, but independent inspiration forged into similar styling is a much higher art. That's the case here with guitarist David Broza, whose admiration for flamenco icons led to a marvelous album holding many delights. After living in Spain during some of his teenage years, ...
Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah: Axiom

by Phillip Woolever
As evidenced here, those in attendance for Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah's 2020 engagement at New York's Blue Note from March 11-15 witnessed what turned out to be some of the most powerful performances of this restricted musical year, just before everyday life changed for most people on the planet. The record is dedicated to the victims ...
Michael Dalgas Trio: Death of a Tree

by Phillip Woolever
Danish drummer Michael Dalgas' second release was composed while he overcame some considerable challenges, including a bout of depression and an extensive physical rehabilitation process which lasted over ten years. The result is a very good album, with a discernably powerful emotional foundation and varying selection of solid songs. In 2010 I fell while ...
Eric Binder: Hard Bop

by Phillip Woolever
Eric Binder is a drummer based in the Chicago area gaining recognition as a teacher and technician who combines slick sequencing and academic awareness to create modern masterworks with a classic jazz sound. This abbreviated yet consistently inspiring album affirms Binder as a rising force on the US jazz scene. Authenticity is obviously vital ...
Spirit Fingers: Peace

by Phillip Woolever
Variety is said to be the spice of life and it's also a big plus for music. What stands out on this record is variety of the broadest measure. Pianist Greg Spero has a diverse resume that includes assembling this powerful quartet boasting guitarist Dario Chiazzolino and the mighty rhythm section of bassist Max ...
Markos Chaidemenos: McModal

by Phillip Woolever
The Greek pianist Markos Chaidemenos has released a wonderfully uplifting tribute to the late McCoy Tyner with this track, in anticipation of a full-length album. The song was recorded live in Athens at The Zoo. It has a feel of focused spontaneity that dances through the ear and bears repeated listening very well, capturing ...
Max Gerl: Tbilisi

by Phillip Woolever
In a four-song display of highly skilled writing and musicianship, Max Gerl provides deep liftoff points for a versatile quartet to roll through thirty-three minutes of distinctly different pieces in a widely comprehensive range of jazz contexts. The songs share similar length and instrumental dexterity, but that's about it. In Gerl's thematic landscape, most uncommon ground ...
Lulu Fall: Between Two Worlds

by Phillip Woolever
This enjoyable album is distinguished by Fall's multi-layered vocal inflections, which shine amidst myriad flourishes of afro-centric rhythms that reach well beyond typical dance tracks or pop tunes. With roots in Cameroon and Senegal, the well-established NYC singer-songwriter has worked at the apex of musical theatre, including roles in Passing Strange and the revival of Hair. ...
Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio: Angels Around

by Phillip Woolever
In addition to recognition among modern jazz's most talented guitarists, Kurt Rosenwinkel has earned a reputation as a thoughtfully skilled interpreter of jazz standards. This stirring release should deservedly elevate his status to even higher levels as bassist Dario Deidda and drummer Greg Hutchinson add punch and precision to every piece. Rosenwinkle revisits classic compositions from ...