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Article: Album Review

Michelle Lordi: Michelle Lordi Sings

Read "Michelle Lordi Sings" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
October 3, 2014

Michelle Lordi sings in a way that is uncommon today: simple, straightforward, direct, and conveying the emotions in the way we all do: in our voice inflections. No gimmicks. This is a style that emerged in the swing and cool jazz eras, a strict adherence to the tune that virtually vanished as singers began to add ...

Article: Live Review

Outbeat Jazz Festival 2014

by Victor L. Schermer
September 26, 2014

Outbeat Jazz Festival Philadelphia, PA September 18-21, 2014 The Outbeat Jazz Festival, touted as “America's First Queer Jazz Festival," where the “Q-word" has become an “in" word, proved to be an innovative event that brought the public's attention to the important role of gay (LGBT) jazz musicians and composers. A series ...

Article: Film Review

Brownie Speaks: A Video Documentary: The Life, Music, and Legacy of Clifford Brown

by Victor L. Schermer
September 11, 2014

Brownie Speaks: A Video Documentary: The Life, Music, and Legacy of Clifford Brown Glanden Productions 2014 This thoroughly researched and fascinating documentary about legendary jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown reveals the full scope of the man and his music through extensive interviews, recordings, photos, and both new and archival film and video ...

Article: Extended Analysis

Jason Jackson: Inspiration

by Victor L. Schermer
September 9, 2014

Jason Jackson is an outstanding versatile and well-heeled New York-based trombonist. Somehow, you don't hear his name mentioned along with peers like Robin Eubanks, Steve Turre, Steve Davis, John Fedchock, and Conrad Herwig. Perhaps that's because Jackson plays first chair in big bands, studio work, and Broadway musicals. He doesn't often link up with small groups ...

Article: Extended Analysis

Phil Haynes’ “No Fast Food” Trio: In Concert (2014)

by Victor L. Schermer
September 5, 2014

A jazz trio called “No Fast Food" is more likely to appeal to a sophisticated audience rather than attract the legion of average jazz fans, and this album will no doubt appeal to just such serious listeners who will take the time to digest it. Phil Haynes, Dave Liebman, and Drew Gress are seasoned players, all ...

Article: Extended Analysis

Diane Monroe and Tony Miceli: Alone Together

by Victor L. Schermer
August 13, 2014

Duets allow two musicians to work together intimately without the complications of a rhythm section. Such recordings are often done on the spot at the suggestion of one of the musicians or an agent. Historically, two iconic collaborations of this type were a studio gig with Jerry Mulligan and Thelonious Monk (Mulligan Meets Monk, Riverside, 1957 ...

Article: Live Review

Diane Monroe Quartet at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

by Victor L. Schermer
August 7, 2014

Diane Monroe Quartet Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts “Spiritual Strivings" Exhibition and Concert Philadelphia, PA August 2, 2014 In the tradition of the Paris salons, art and music go together, and some of the best jazz in the Philadelphia area today can be heard at art museums, taking up ...

Article: Album Review

Kosi: Pictures of Us

Read "Pictures of Us" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
August 3, 2014

This is an album whose authenticity and directness of expression is matched only by its underlying artistic complexity and conceptual nuances. Kosi Gyebi Sorensen (Akosua Gyebi) is a New York-based singer and composer whose vocal persona on this album is that of a young woman of humble origins struggling with the trials of intimacy and love, ...

Article: Interview

Steve Swell: Unlimited Musical Possibilities

by Victor L. Schermer
July 28, 2014

"Free Jazz" and “Avant-Garde Jazz" are catch phrases often associated with musical pioneers such as Ornette Coleman and Cecil Taylor but more broadly refer to music that goes outside of the mainstream of melody, harmony, rhythm, and structure. When that happens, opinions and emotions abound. Reactions vary from disgust to excitement and enthusiasm, and it is ...

Article: Live Review

Odean Pope Quartet at Chris’ Jazz Cafe

by Victor L. Schermer
July 23, 2014

Odean Pope Quartet Chris' Jazz Café Philadelphia, PA July 19, 2014 Legendary tenor saxophonist Odean Pope, in addition to his international status and iconic recordings, often appears in Philadelphia, his home town, but usually in festivals, concerts, and other situations where he is part of a bigger mix. His one ...