Posted February 25, 2010 at 7:14 pm | No comments
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the music of Bill Frisell, or maybe more to the point, that you might find it difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that he does and what genre of music he plays, you’re probably not alone. He is, after all, constantly changing directions in his musical endeavors. From jazz, to American folk and blues, to some combination of the two, his music always manages to bear the stamp of his unique musical voice. On the 2009 release of Films of Buster Keaton by Bill Frisell, the guitarist once again explores new musical territory in his homage to the silent-era films of Buster Keaton.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 6:06 pm | No comments
In the concert DVD Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks, the Branco Stoysin Trio exhibits Stoysin’s artistry as a composer and arranger. Throughout the set, the entire trio demonstrates their ability to achieve a very particular contemplative mood and feel with a fluid blend of jazz and Eastern European folk music. It’s the first DVD release from Stoysin, and it utilizes much of his music from previous record releases Inexhaustible (2009), Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks (2007) and Heart is the Bridge (2003), along with some new material thrown in for good measure.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 25, 2010 at 4:50 pm | One comment
Bill Frisell’s unique guitar work and musical excursions in his installment of Solos: The Jazz Sessions are nothing short of awe-inspiring and unconventional. As with much of Frisell’s output, he has demonstrated again and again how he has become a master of his own guitar idiom.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 5, 2010 at 3:26 pm | One comment
Legendary bassist Dave Holland is now in his fifth decade as a jazz performer. His solo work and his ensemble leadership are equally extraordinary. Holland first became a familiar name as a member of Miles Davis’ group.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted February 5, 2010 at 12:49 pm | No comments
January 23, 2010 marks the 100th birthday of the late Django Reinhardt. Most jazz guitarists are aware of his music and his life story.
Posted in: Book Reviews, Jazz, Reviews
Posted January 24, 2010 at 12:29 pm | 2 comments
Allan Holdsworth has long been known as one of the most exciting and technically facile jazz-fusion guitarists in the world.
Posted in: Guitar Lessons, Jazz, jazz guitar lessons
Posted January 5, 2010 at 11:36 am | No comments
My Very Life is a collection of original compositions by Brazilian native Paulinho Garcia which reflect the wide-range of musical styles found in Brazil.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted January 3, 2010 at 11:44 am | No comments
The Hot Club of Detroit’s album Night Town is a tour de force that is full of hard-swinging, toe-tapping arrangements of gypsy jazz standards and original compositions penned by members of the ensemble.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted November 9, 2009 at 7:57 am | No comments
Bill Frisell ranks in the top tier of guitarists from his generation, alongside such luminaries as John Scofield and Pat Metheny. His recorded output is arguably as eclectic as any living artist. Previous projects have ranged from trio records with jazz greats Dave Holland and Elvin Jones, contemporary collaborations with producers Hal Wilner and Lee Townsend, as well as a collection of Americana and folk-tinged albums for the Nonesuch record label.
Posted in: DVD Reviews, Jazz, Jazz Reviews, Reviews
Posted November 7, 2009 at 8:34 am | No comments
Les Paul was a giant in the music industry long before rock and roll was even a glimmer in the eye of record company executives or a restless youth culture.
Posted in: Jazz, Jazz Reviews
