Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
Another review for Noah Haidu “Slipstream”…
www.rochestercitynewspaper.com
Noah Haidu has been an important, if under-recognized, contributor to the jazz scene as a member of Native Soul and a sideman with Curtis Lundy, Duane Eubanks, and others. With the release of �”Slipstream,” it’s Haidu’s turn to make a statement as a leader, and it’s an impressive one. The first step is to recruit musicians and Haidu go ...Read More
JazzTimes reviews Inner Flights…
jazztimes.com
Native New Yorker and New England Conservatory grad Benjamin Drazen distinguishes himself as a potent alto saxophonist and accomplished composer on his debut as a leader. Joined by a solid group consisting of pianist Jon Davis, bassist Carlo De Rosa and drummer Eric McPherson, Drazen blows with conviction on swinging vehicles like the burning “Mr. Twilight” and the quote-filled ...Read More
Mike Hobart reviews Captain Black Big Band for Financial Times…
www.ft.com
Pianist Orrin Evans’ occasional big band alternates rumbustious riffs and tear-along chases with delicate impressionism and a timely modal waltz. The slightly rough at the edges live recordings are culled from three club dates and brim-full of modernist swagger and the excitement of live performance.
The rhythm section is a powerful cushion, muted brass swell and slur and solo strengt ...Read More
AAJ review for David Gibson “End Of The Tunnel”…
www.allaboutjazz.com
The second release for trombonist David Gibson’s quartet,End Of The Tunnel, is a return to the ever popular soul-jazz genre. As with his previous disc, A Little Somethin’ (Posi-Tone, 2009), Gibson and organist Jared Gold share a love for that infectious 1960s organ combo sound.
This disc also continues with the same lineup, and why not keep going? The music just ...Read More
Guitar International review for Dave Juarez “Round Red Light”…
guitarinternational.com
Round Red Light is the debut recording from Barcelona guitarist Dave Juarez and the album is comprised of all original material. Juarez has assembled a fine ensemble to present his compositions for this recording session, including John Escreet (Piano), Seamus Blake (Saxophone), Lauren Falls (Bass) and Bastian Weinhold (Drums) are solid players. The music is modern in natur ...Read More
AAJ review for Benjamin Drazen “Inner Flights”…
www.allaboutjazz.com
Alto and soprano saxophonist Benjamin Drazen’s smashing debut recording as a leader contains all of the essential ingredients for a meaningful mainstream jazz record. The leader’s seven original compositions are a diverse, substantial, and pleasantly familiar lot. Drazen and pianistJon Davis, the disc’s primary soloists, play in the moment and think their way ...Read More
Audiophile Audition on David Gibson “End of the Tunnel”….
www.audaud.com
David Gibson – End of the Tunnel – Posi-tone PR8082, 48:40 ****:
(David Gibson, trombone; Julius Tolentino, alto sax; Jared Gold, Hammond organ; Quincy Jones, drums)
David Gibson has a fine pedigree. After coming to New York from Oklahoma, his credentials were honed by stays with Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Heath, and James Moody. Playing with this cal ...Read More
Amazing interview with Travis Sullivan….
www.allaboutjazz.com
Travis Sullivan composes and arranges with a fine flair. For about the last six years, he’s proven himself a strong leader of a large band, running the Bjorkestra, an acclaimed unit that plays slick, intricate and sometimes burning jazz versions of songs by popular Icelandic singer/songwriter Bjork.
It’s a band that’s an audience pleaser and one that musician ...Read More
SaxShed reviews Travis Sullivan “New Directions”….
saxshed.com
Alto saxophonist Travis Sullivan has released his third record “New Directions” on Posi-tone Records. Known primarily for leading his Björkestra project, Sullivan has assembled The Travis Sullivan Quartet where he is joined by pianist Mike Eckroth, bassist Marco Panascia, and drummer Brian Fishler.
According to Jazz Times, Travis Sullivan is “…a gifted alto saxophonist and imp ...Read More
Richard Kamins reviews Travis Sullivan “New Directions”
http://steptempest.blogspot.com/2011/05/modern-grooves.html
Alto saxophonist-composer Travis Sullivan is, perhaps, best known for his 18-piece big band, Bjorkestra, an ongoing project in which he reimagines and reshapes the music of the Icelandic singer/songwriter and notorious shape-shifter. In the midst of that heady project, one might forget that he himself is a strong writer and talented ...Read More