The Jazz Word reviews Travis Sullivan “New Directions”…
thejazzword.blogspot.com
Alto saxophonist Travis Sullivan leads a perceptive quartet through a diverse set of his original tunes and a couple of covers on New Directions, his third release as a leader and debut for Posi-Tone Records. Aside from small group endeavors, the New York-based Sullivan leads his own 18-piece big band Bjorkestra, performing arrangements of the Icelandic pop icon Bjork.
Su ...Read More
Phil Freeman reviews Orrin Evans “Freedom”…
burningambulance.com
Though this review is being published on Independence Day, the title of pianist Orrin Evans‘ latest release has nothing to do with sociopolitical freedom. It’s not about musical freedom, either, at least not if your definition of that idea tilts in the direction of Matthew Shipp,Cecil Taylor, or any other practitioners of hard-line keyboard pyrotechnics.
By titling his a ...Read More
Another review for David Gibson “End of the Tunnel”…
www.freep.com
Trombonist David Gibson’s “End of the Tunnel” ( * *, Positone) sneaks up on you with insinuating, rather than flashy, funk grooves and sinewy textures created by a lean quartet of trombone, alto sax, organ and drums. Gibson’s evocative phrasing, which eschews speedy barrages of notes in favor of concentrated punches of melody and rhythm that get under the skin ...Read More
SaxShed reviews Orrin Evans “Freedom”…
saxshed.com
Orrin Evans (Featuring Larry McKenna) – Freedom
Pianist Orrin Evans’ latest release entitled “Freedom,” is now available from Posi-Tone Records. According to his current press kit, (this recording) “is an interpretive exploration of the music of his Philadelphia friends and mentors. This trio date features a hometown crew of sideman including the solid play ...Read More
Take Five with David Gibson…..
www.allaboutjazz.com
David’s newest recording, End of the Tunnel, is currently available from Posi-tone Records. It’s a set of music that evokes the essence of ’60s Blue Note soul-jazz in combination with the modern elements you’d expect from today’s current crop of jazz musicians. The mixture of trombone, alto saxophone, organ and drums presents the listener with an ...Read More
Dan Bilawsky’s AAJ review of Orrin Evans “Freedom”…
www.allaboutjazz.com
Philadelphia was a symbol of freedom long before Elton Johnever penned his well-known tribute to tennis legend Billy Jean King. The city was a hotspot for American revolutionaries when the British were running the show, and Philadelphia played host to the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress, which signed the Declaration of Independence. This city ha ...Read More
Bruce Lindsay’s AAJ review for Orrin Evans “Freedom”….
www.allaboutjazz.com
Orrin Evans’ first three Posi-Tone releases formed a diverse but high-quality trilogy: the piano trio (Faith In Action, 2010); the freer, more left-field small band (Tarbaby’s End Of Fear, 2010); and the hard-blowing and exciting big band (Captain Black Big Band, 2011). Hot on their heels comes Freedom, Evans’ fourth album in less than two years. The qualit ...Read More
Richard Kamins Step Tempest review of Orrin Evans “Freedom”…
http://steptempest.blogspot.com
The past year has been quite a musical ride for pianist/composer Orrin Evans, especially when it comes to his relationship to Posi-Tone Records. Early in 2010, the Los Angeles-based label released the pianist’s tribute to saxophonist Bobby Watson, “Faith in Action” followed in late October by “The End of Fear” from Tarbaby, the ...Read More
The Revivalist reviews Orrin Evans “Freedom”…
revivalist.okayplayer.com
While it is common to take for granted the ease with which we find forever in our favorite tunes, the human experience dictates that the musicians creating those songs be regarded with equal parts admiration and immortality. Everyone expects to lose a grandparent, but people rarely anticipate the eventual loss of a musical hero. When people lose loved ones, they retur ...Read More
The Jazz Word on Nick Hempton “The Business”…
thejazzword.blogspot.com
Saxophonist Nick Hempton leads a swinging quartet for his debut with Posi-Tone Records, The Business. The Australian native, currently residing in New York has a warm, soulfulness to his playing, emulating the styles of hard bop and R & B saxophone giants such as Dexter Gordon, Cannonball Adderley and Hank Crawford.
Hempton brings a swinging determination to his own c ...Read More