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
Another positive review for Jared Gold “Out of Line”…
www.criticaljazz.com
With the musical irony for this tenor player being nothing hits my musical sweet spot harder than a B3, Jared Gold is the epitome of the groove, swing and spontaneity that is a top flight organ ensemble while developing his own style. Gold is a B3 visionary with one foot in tradition and the other foot pushing the groove as far and as tight as possible while never tripping tha ...Read More
Brent Black runs down Jim Rotondi “Blues for Brother Ray”…
www.criticaljazz.com
About a year ago I reviewed a tribute to Ray Charles that was a train wreck from the start. The focus of the release was placed squarely on the arrangements with the complete presentation of the tune best described as some sort of sonic after thought.
Consider this the flip side.
There is a more laid back feel to this release then one would normally expect. Those familiar w ...Read More
A stellar review for Art Hirahara “Noble Path”…
www.criticaljazz.com
The one that got away for 2011?
Art Hirahars began turning heads with his work on saxophonist Fred Ho’s more out of the box releases, but Hirahara’s voicing on Noble Path are a mirror image of this aptly titled release from Posi-Tone. While occasionally pushing the musical envelope as fitting the composition there is an intimate charm to this release featuring e ...Read More