If it's lunchtime as you're reading this, then a warm grilled cheese or a BLT might sound pretty good right now -- but we're here to discuss Hot Club Sandwich, a Gypsy jazz combo with a brand new album, Green Room, now out on the Modern Hot Records label. It's their fifth, and follows 2005's … Continue reading REVIEW: Hot Club Sandwich – Green Room
Category: Review
REVIEW: Paul Taylor – Ladies’ Choice
I have a funny feeling that I'm not part of the intended market for this new Peak Records release starring contemporary jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor. After all, the album title, Ladies' Choice, would seem to indicate the target in the musician's sights. But Taylor says that the album is a collection of "melodies from the … Continue reading REVIEW: Paul Taylor – Ladies’ Choice
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
If ever a new album was apt to pique my curiosity, it would be something like Introducing Robin McKelle, just out this month on Cheap Lullaby Records. She's being promoted as a throwback singer similar to the songbirds of the big band era. Having written more than once about those very ladies, when I was … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
I don't envy a serious young musician who is trying to put together his debut album. I'd think it would be a scary prospect, but if he has a musical vision and some talented pros to help him realize it, then he can give himself his very best chance to generate something memorable. Tenor saxophonist … Continue reading REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
Last year I reviewed an album by one of the modern swing bands, that of Bob Mintzer, and it helped me to understand that the newer guys can swing just as well as many of those from the early era. (In fact I chose that album as my album of the year.) That newly-gained insight … Continue reading REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
REVIEW: Boots Randolph – A Whole New Ballgame
I know what you're thinking, because I had the same thoughts when I received this new album for review. Boots Randolph, the guy whose honkin' sax ruled Nashville for years, is still around? The guy who struck gold with "Yakety Sax" is still tooting his horn? Well, yeah -- and the truth is, he sounds … Continue reading REVIEW: Boots Randolph – A Whole New Ballgame
REVIEW: Chick Corea/Béla Fleck – The Enchantment
Start with a pair of virtuoso musicians, two guys who have twenty Grammys between them but have worked together only sporadically. Add in the freedom to explore and create, and then turn them loose. That's the recipe for this exciting new Concord album, The Enchantment, featuring legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea and Béla Fleck, the … Continue reading REVIEW: Chick Corea/Béla Fleck – The Enchantment
REVIEW: Hector Martignon – Refugee
If you're into Latin jazz, you might want to take a look at the new album, Refugee, by pianist Hector Martignon and his friends. If Latin jazz dominated by percussion is to your taste, then you can delete the word "might" from my first sentence, because you will absolutely love this one. It's a lively … Continue reading REVIEW: Hector Martignon – Refugee
REVIEW: Norman Brown – Stay With Me
Say what you will about smooth jazz, but when you're in a receptive mood and it's being performed by talented musicians, it can be a very nice listening experience. Contemporary jazz guitarist Norman Brown provides that feeling with ease in his new album, Stay With Me, just out on the Peak Records (Concord) label, but … Continue reading REVIEW: Norman Brown – Stay With Me
REVIEW: Poncho Sanchez – Raise Your Hand
Poncho Sanchez is no stranger to Latin jazz fans. He's been voted number one percussionist in both DownBeat and Jazz Times reader’s polls for the past three years, and has been a driving force in the genre for over two decades. But on his new album for Concord Picante, Raise Your Hand, Sanchez - who … Continue reading REVIEW: Poncho Sanchez – Raise Your Hand
Geezer Music Club 