Jazz Reviews

Lenny White’s “Anomaly”

Lenny White’s “Anomaly”

Posted April 30, 2010 at 11:51 am | No comments

Drummer Lenny White has been one of the top jazz/rock drummers for many years. He was a member of Return To Forever, in the 1970’s.

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“To The One” by John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension

“To The One” by John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension

Posted March 19, 2010 at 12:21 pm | 3 comments

John McLaughlin has been a pillar of the jazz guitar community for over 30 years.  He has played with many of the legendary musicians of our time.  McLaughlin has explored his acoustic side as well as pioneering the fusion movement.

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Bill Frisell “Films of Buster Keaton”

Bill Frisell “Films of Buster Keaton”

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.

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Branco Stoysin Trio “Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks”

Branco Stoysin Trio “Quiet Stream Breaks the Rocks”

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.

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Bill Frisell “Solos: The Jazz Sessions”

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.

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Dave Holland Octet’s “Pathways”

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.

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Paulinho Garcia “My Very Life” Review

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.

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Hot Club of Detroit “Night Town” Review

Hot Club of Detroit “Night Town” Review

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.

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Bill Frisell: “Disfarmer”

Bill Frisell: “Disfarmer”

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.

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Remembering the Genius of Les Paul

Remembering the Genius of Les Paul

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.

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