I once bought a trombone at a garage sale. That's not the opening line of a limerick. I really did buy an old trombone and I only paid $3 for it. This was in the early Seventies, when $3 was worth a little more than it is now but that was still quite a bargain. … Continue reading Trombone Travails
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Brazilian Trio – Forests
Here's a recipe for success. Take three talented musicians from Brazil who are all now living in New York, add a collection of Latin tunes - both traditional and original - and then give the threesome a perfectly descriptive name like The Brazilian Trio. The result is Forests, a new album on the Zoho label. … Continue reading REVIEW: Brazilian Trio – Forests
REVIEW: Bob Mover – It Amazes Me
Jazz saxophonist Bob Mover has an intriguing resume. A protege of Phil Woods, he was playing professionally at age 16 and subsequently performed alongside many stars, including Charles Mingus, Chet Baker, and one my favorites, alto sax legend Lee Konitz. It was an impressive beginning. Mover also spent some time leading his own group, but … Continue reading REVIEW: Bob Mover – It Amazes Me
Six Degrees Of Ray Noble
I had thought of calling British bandleader Ray Noble the musical Forrest Gump because he seemed to have a way of being in on some significant moments in musical history, but it's probably more accurate to call him the musical Kevin Bacon (as in 'six degrees of'). During his career Noble had connections with a … Continue reading Six Degrees Of Ray Noble
REVIEW: Al Foster Quartet – Love, Peace And Jazz!
It's always nice to see a respected jazz veteran have the opportunity to get his name on the front of a new album, especially if it's someone who has for the most part kept a pretty low profile over the course of his career. Drummer Al Foster has been in the business for many years, … Continue reading REVIEW: Al Foster Quartet – Love, Peace And Jazz!
REVIEW: Todd Herbert – The Tree Of Life
Close on the heels of his success with 2007's The Path To Infinity, tenor sax wizard Todd Herbert brings us The Tree Of Life, again on the Metropolitan label. With his newest, he's once again offering up a mix of contemporary jazz with a post-bop touch. Herbert has been playing professionally since the early 1990's, … Continue reading REVIEW: Todd Herbert – The Tree Of Life
REVIEW: Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
Although he's still only in his twenties, jazz keyboardist Aaron Parks has already put together an impressive resume. He has a background that combines formal musical training with playing next to some of the best, and already has several albums to his credit. Invisible Cinema, his newest effort and his first for Blue Note, will … Continue reading REVIEW: Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
Another in a series of Concord albums celebrating the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Brubeck, Tjader) presents the music of an American-born, but purely Latin music maestro, Tito Puente. It was recorded during his band's triumphant appearance at the 1977 festival, the first of many he would make at the storied venue through the years. At … Continue reading REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
Last year I reviewed an album that featured jazz harmonica (and it was actually my second review of the group's music) and I also reviewed an album that showcased jazz on a bassoon. So I guess it makes perfect sense for me to review a new release starring a couple of guys who offer jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
I've written a couple of reviews recently that spotlight recordings of legendary performances from the Monterey Jazz Festival, but this time around I'm focusing on an artist who will soon be making his very first appearance at the storied show. Vocalist Jamie Davis will be bringing his mellow baritone to Monterey in September, close on … Continue reading REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
Geezer Music Club 