Print Edition

Independent Culture
- On Balladeering...
  
  Evening Song
  
  Loveland Record
- Pianist Hiroe S...
  
  A-mé
  
  Sekai Music
- “Thank You fo...
  
  Not Exactly Par
  
  LML Music
- Long an integra...
- In her third CD...
  
  Interior Design
  
  Self-Released

INDEPENDENT CULTURE

Passion-driven independent record companies have produced some of the most important music in jazz. The tradition continues...

Jakob Bro

Evening Song

[Loveland Records]

On Balladeering the Danish guitarist Jakob Bro has gathered some of the most prominent contemporary jazz musicians to play his new songs, written exclusively for the occasion. Here, Frisell’s and Bro’s congenial guitar playing moves organically, streaming underneath Konitz’ unique saxophone meditations which fits perfectly with the significant sound and [...]

Hristo Vitchev Quartet

The Secrets of an Angel

[First Orbit Sounds Music]

The Secrets of an Angel is the newest release from Bulgarian jazz guitarist Hristo Vitchev. The record is a duo session featuring Latin Grammy nominated pianist Weber Iago, presenting an impressionistic landscape painted by the graceful conversation between the two insturments. A deep harmonic story that will take the listener [...]

E.S.P

Time's Up!

[Spider Records]

E.S.P. is part post bop, part world beat, and part groove. Matthew Vacanti, John Magnante, Brian Scherer, Karl Sterling and Barry Blumenthal deliver a performance that is clearly inspired by the tradition of true jazz improvisation, yet Time’s Up! glistens with a contemporary sound. “You will enjoy the music on [...]

Hailey Niswanger

Confeddie

[self-released]

2008 Mary Lou Williams “Women In Jazz Saxophone Competition” winner Hailey Niswanger interprets the music of Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and other modern jazz masters on her debut CD Confeddie whose title track she wrote inspired by Eddie Harris. “Hailey’s CD is mind blowing with advanced, lyrical and [...]

Janet Planet

Of Thee I Sing

[Stellar Sound Productions]

A swinging, cross-country journey that celebrates the sites, cities and landscape across the United States. The spirited and masterful Ms. Planet takes listeners to a place where they remember the goodness in people, the beauty of our land, and a love for the place we call home. In addition to [...]

Fred Simon

Since Forever

[Naim]

Since Forever is composer/pianist Fred Simon’s new album, featuring Paul McCandless (Oregon, woodwinds), Steve Rodby (Pat Metheny Group, acoustic bass), Mark Walker (Oregon, drums), and Simon on acoustic piano. Produced by Fred and Steve, it was recorded direct to stereo, and features eleven originals and a cover of In A [...]