Collective composition and improvisation are at the heart of In Common, the debut from a…
Reviews
Jacob Duncan Quintet – It’s Alright To Dream (Calvin Cycle Collective)
Alto saxophonist Jacob Duncan was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. While he attended the…
Gregory Porter – One Night Only — Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Blue No
Although it’s titled One Night Only, vocalist Gregory Porter’s new concert album actually draws from…
Petra van Nuis and Dennis Luxion – Because We’re Night People (String Damper)
Recorded live at Chicago’s PianoForte, Because We’re Night People more than lives up to its…
Eden Bareket – Trio Night (Fresh Sound New Talent)
A trio fronted by a baritone saxophonist might suggest an embrace of minimalism in the…
Ambrose Akinmusire – Origami Harvest (Blue Note)
With an approach that both honors tradition and points to the future, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire…
Joe Lovano – Trio Tapestry (ECM)
Just in time for the iconic label’s 50th anniversary, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano releases his…
Stranger in a Strange Land: Eric Dolphy’s Legacy Revisited
Time has been kind to Dolphy’s legacy, an important segment of which is explored on the new set Musical Prophet: The Expanded 1963 New York Studio Sessions (Resonance).
Requisite Listening: Nina Simone
From the starkly emotional “I Loves You, Porgy” to the scathing “Mississippi Goddam,” this live 1964 concert album presents various facets of Nina Simone’s remarkable artistry.
The Gil Evans Orchestra – Hidden Treasures: Monday Nights, Volume One (Bopper Spock Suns Music)
Gil Evans, who died in 1988, is best-known for his groundbreaking arrangements on the classic…
Wayne Horvitz – The Snowghost Sessions (Songlines) / Those Who Remain (National Sawdust Tracks)
Wayne Horvitz has enjoyed a long and eclectic career as a pianist and composer. These…
Christian McBride – Christian McBride’s New Jawn (Mack Avenue)
Small groups devoid of keyboards, guitars and other instruments that provide full chordal accompaniment can…
Aaron Goldberg – At the Edge of the World (Sunnyside)
The resurrection of a piano-trio classic carries the obvious risk of being unfavorably compared to…
Charlie Haden & Brad Mehldau – Long Ago and Far Away (Impulse!)
This meeting between Charlie Haden and Brad Mehldau unites two musicians from separate generations who…
Chucho Valdés – Jazz Batá 2 (Mack Avenue)
Chucho Valdés hit a career milestone in 1973 when he founded the now-iconic big band…
Jonathan Finlayson – 3 Times Round (Pi)
3 Times Round, the third album from the genial and gloriously adept trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson,…
James Francies – Flight (Blue Note)
At 23, pianist and keyboardist James Francies is already something of a familiar musical presence.…
John Escreet – Learn to Live (Blue Room)
John Escreet likes to take risks. The UK-born keyboardist’s previous two albums were firmly in…
Richie Cole – Cannonball (Richie Cole Presents)
When saxophonist Richie Cole, who brought the phrase “alto madness” into the jazz vernacular in…
Helen Sung – Sung with Words: A Collaboration with Dana Gioia (Stricker Street)
On seven previous discs and in delightful live performances, Helen Sung has earned her thoroughly…
