Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
Peter Margasak previews Orrin Evans “Flip the Script” for the Chicago Reader…
www.chicagoreader.com
For nearly two decades Philadelphia’s Orrin Evans has been one of the most reliable, impressive, and overlooked pianists in postbop. He’s not a revolutionary, but his music always pushes forward while embracing the best of the past. Thelonious Monk, Herbie Nichols, and Elmo Hope all inform his charged, lucid playing, but he also embraces hip-hop and soul without ...Read More
Lucid Culture reviews Ralph Bowen “Total Eclipse”…
lucidculture.wordpress.com
Ralph Bowen Flips the Script
If you were looking for a sequel to saxophonist Ralph Bowen’s 2011 release, Power Play, you won’t get it, at least not this time around. This blog called that one “hard-hitting, purposeful and tuneful beyond belief” and ranked it as one of last year’s five best jazz albums. Bowen’s new album Total Eclipse is quite a change. Alt ...Read More
JazzWrap writes up Tom Tallitsch “Heads or Tales”…
www.jazzwrap.blogspot.com
You know those albums that you fall in love with immediately after about two songs in–well this one of those albums. Tom Tallitsch delivers a killer does on hard bop that is fueled by both some heavy chops as well as crisp songwriting. His fourth album (first for Posi-Tone), Heads Or Tales is simply an awesome display of muscle and dynamics.
Like a late night ...Read More
theJazzWord on Spike Wilner “La Tendresse”…
thejazzword.blogspot.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 201
Spike Wilner – La Tendresse
2012 Posi-Tone
The opening title track of pianist Spike Wilner’s La Tendressesuggests only hints of affection before the straight-eighth pulse intensifies into a McCoy Tyner-inspired demonstration of intensity, buoyed by drummer Joey Saylor and bassist Dezron Douglas. A schooled musician, comfortable in an expan ...Read More
Lucid Culture reviews Tom Tallitsch “Heads or Tales”…
lucidculture.wordpress.com
Vivid, Catchy, Intense Compositions from Tom Tallitsch
Saxophonist Tom Tallitsch has a strong, diverse and thoroughly enjoyable album, Heads or Tales, out recently with Jared Gold on organ,Dave Allen on guitar and the semi-ubiquitous Mark Ferber on drums. Tallitsch plays with a slightly smoky tone and a light touch, heavy on the nuance which makes him sneaky fast ...Read More
Dan Bilawsky reviews Spike Wilner “La Tendresse”…
www.allaboutjazz.com
There are few greater champions of the old and new in jazz than pianist/club owner/musical antiquarian Spike Wilner. His role in resuscitating and running one of the most important night spots for jazz in New York—Smalls Jazz Club—has made him a hero to those who frequent that bastion of musical integrity, but he’s also revered as an ivory tickling keeper-of-the-fl ...Read More
Brent Black takes on Ralph Bowen “Total Eclipse”…
www.criticaljazz.com
Swing is rhythmic feel or groove created by the musical interaction or chemistry between the performers. Swing or this “groove” manifests itself in a visceral response essentially music your feel with your hips and feel with your feet.
With a total solar eclipse the Sun’s corona can be seen shining in all directions around the moon. This glimpse of the coron ...Read More
Glenn Astarita reviews a track from Brandon Wright “Journeyman”…
www.allaboutjazz.com
Posi-Tone Records is known for showcasing nascent talent, often aligned with proven jazz warriors. With his sophomore release for the label, young tenor saxophonist Brandon Wright garners sympathetic and dynamic support from his ensemble, comprising time-honored vets, such as pianist David Kikoski and bassist Boris Kozlov. DrummerDonald Edwards transmits a holistic rhythmi ...Read More
Another review for Jared Gold “Golden Child”…
www.jazzhistoryonline.com
Jared Gold credits Larry Young, Don Patterson, and Jack McDuff as influences. His multifaceted style landed him gigs with John Abercrombie, Adam Nussbaum, and Don Braden. His adventurous original compositions and fresh takes on standards have distinguished him among his contemporaries. Gold’s latest “Golden Child” (Positone) is feel good music! Guitarist Ed Ch ...Read More
Big words for Brandon Wright “Boiling Point”…
www.criticaljazz.com
There are more tenor players then one can count that are as technically proficient as they come but the end result is more often then not an artistic flat line. Brandon Wright is that unique mix of a throwback player that can create his own contemporary voice and is part of a very exciting future for straight ahead jazz. For those unfamiliar with Wright’s work consider h ...Read More