Another release in Concord's series of albums paying tribute to the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Cal Tjader) is one that fits me like a bespoke suit, because it features one of my favorites -- Dave Brubeck. 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck - Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007) is exactly what you'd infer from … Continue reading REVIEW: 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck – Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007)
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Yusef Lateef – Eastern Sounds
As I mentioned in an earlier review, Concord Music Group has become a real force in the music industry, and they also have a comprehensive and vibrant website that offers music fans a lot of different looks. One of the best parts is their new Collector's Corner section, which not only features a lot of … Continue reading REVIEW: Yusef Lateef – Eastern Sounds
REVIEW: The Best of Cal Tjader: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-1980
Concord Music Group has carved out a prominent role for itself in today's music world as one of the most diversified sources for recordings of all genres, with an especially strong presence in jazz. One of the many special collections they've made available is a series of releases based on historical performances at the Monterey … Continue reading REVIEW: The Best of Cal Tjader: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-1980
REVIEW: Gary Morgan & PanAmericana! – Felicidade
For the last decade or so, one of the best-kept secrets in Latin jazz is a transplanted Canadian who is now living in New York. But Gary Morgan and his 20 piece orchestra PanAmericana! (complete with exclamation point) just might break out of that anonymity with their latest album, Felicidade, now out on the Consolidated … Continue reading REVIEW: Gary Morgan & PanAmericana! – Felicidade
Stormy Weather – Part Deux
Just my luck. In a recent piece I related a couple of stories about 'stormy' experiences I've had, including the time that I lost something I was writing when the power failed, but it turns out that ol' Mama Nature wasn't quite finished with me. She slapped me again this week when stormy weather caused … Continue reading Stormy Weather – Part Deux
REVIEW: Gerald Albright – Sax For Stax
Have you ever wondered whether an interesting nickname helps kick up a musician's career? Or to ask the question in a different way, does a guy with extraordinary talent but an ordinary-sounding name sometimes find himself flying a little below the radar? Case in point (always wanted to say that) is saxophonist Gerald Albright, who … Continue reading REVIEW: Gerald Albright – Sax For Stax
REVIEW: Sergio Mendes – Encanto
You gotta hand it to Sergio Mendes. The ageless Latin musical star has flourished for more than four decades, and even though he has plenty of ability himself, he's been helped along the way by his unerring ability to choose some interesting musical partners. For his latest album, Encanto, now out on the Concord label, … Continue reading REVIEW: Sergio Mendes – Encanto
REVIEW: Sonny Rollins – Freedom Suite
Once again we're paying a visit to Concord's tribute to long-time producer Orrin Keepnews, the Keepnews Collection, a series of 24-bit reissues of a number of timeless jazz recordings. (Previously: Wes Montgomery, Coleman Hawkins, Nat Adderley.) In this review, we're covering Freedom Suite, Sonny Rollins' 1958 classic. Unlike most of the legends in the series, … Continue reading REVIEW: Sonny Rollins – Freedom Suite
Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
I've always wondered what it is about certain songs that seem to just grab you and hang on, becoming a favorite from the very first time you hear them. In a way, that type of song reminds me of a stubborn and unpredictable bulldog that clamps his teeth into your pants leg and won't be … Continue reading Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
Even casual jazz fans are familiar with the name Wes Montgomery, and those who have closely followed the legendary guitarist's career know that 1960's The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery was probably one of his most important albums. It's that landmark effort that's the subject of our third review from Concord's Keepnews Collection, a … Continue reading REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
Geezer Music Club 