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Tord Gustavsen Trio: Changing Places
by Jeffrey Allen Chelsky
I never tire of listening to the masterful Tord Gustavsen in his various incarnations, this time with his trio composed of bassist Harald Johnsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad, Changing Places has been out since 2003 and seems new every time I play it. I listen and it is as if the world slows down and fades ...
Joe Chambers: Dance Kobina
by Marc Myers
Joe Chambers' Dance Kobina (Blue Note, 2023) proves once again that the 80-year-old percussionist still has it. The album is superb. What's most beautiful about the album and Chambers's playing is that he has retained the flavors of many totemic greats he has played with over the decades. Produced and arranged by Chambers, the album features ...
Jay Lawrence and The Platinum Jazz Orchestra: Payin' My Dues
by Edward Blanco
Veteran drummer Jay Lawrence leads a powerful big band comprised of jazz luminaries such as Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin, Bob Sheppard, Nestor Torres, and Ed Calle among others on a big band romp of primarily original compositions. One of them, “Don't Blame Me," showcases the vocals of award-winning blues and gospel singer Dee Daniels accompanied by ...
A Gem From Richie Goods & Chien Chien Lu!
by J. Michael Harrison
The debut project from the ensemble known as Connected is fronted by the gifted bassist Richie Goods and the rising star vibraphonist/percussionist Chien Chien Lu. The project was formed during the pandemic while they were in lockdown together. Although I'm a huge fan of the entire album, the instrumental “Dull Ice Flower" continues to catch my ...
Ed Cherry: Are We There Yet?
by Edward Blanco
In remembering the great Wes Montgomery, guitarist phenom Ed Cherry records his arrangement and interpretations of one of the superstar's most memorable compositions with an incredible hard-swinging version of “Mr. Walker" featuring Kyle Koehler on the Hammond B3 organ reminiscent of Montgomery collaborations with organist Melvin Rhyne. Byron “Wookie" Landham on drums rounds out Cherry's quartet ...
Carmen McRae: At the Great American Music Hall
by Joseph Vella
From 1977, this live recording is one of the finest jazz vocal albums of all time. It captures Carmen McRae at her height performing a standout repertoire of standards and popular songs of the day in a small group setting (with special guest Dizzy Gillespie). Capturing Carmen's true brilliance as a jazz singer, her impeccable timing, ...
Lou Donaldson: Alligator Bogaloo
by Joseph Vella
Who doesn't love the playing of Lou Donaldson? This late-'60s gem is one of those recordings where everything hits right. It is not only brilliant (and wonderfully dated) but it's also the type of record even your non-jazz friends can snap and tap to. The combo of hard bop and soul jazz is infectious. Right from ...
Nala Sinephro: Space 1.8
by Joseph Vella
UK-based musician and composer Nala Sinephro's ambient jazz recording is completely captivating. Joined by a refreshing cast of musicians mostly based in the UK, Nala plays pedal harp and keyboards. The sax by Nubya Garcia, James Mollison and Ahnanse help tie it all together. Presented as a suite of pieces that flow seamlessly, the recording builds ...
