When considering Gerald Wilson's Detroit, the orchestral suite he composed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of that city's International Jazz Festival, it would be easy to get sidetracked by his unbelievably long career. After all, he's been a vital part of the jazz scene for seven decades. But the simple fact is that his composition, … Continue reading REVIEW: Gerald Wilson Orchestra – Detroit
Category: Review
REVIEW: James Moody – Moody 4A
For someone who is at an age when most of us (including me) would be napping in the sun, James Moody is on quite a roll. After a warm reception for last year's Our Delight, an album that featured the legendary saxophonist's collaboration with the equally respected pianist Hank Jones and his quartet, Moody has … Continue reading REVIEW: James Moody – Moody 4A
REVIEW: Michael Olatuja — Speak
As someone who mostly writes about jazz, country music, and oldies (with the occasional foray into oddities like zydeco), I sometimes enjoy taking a look at something completely different. Speak, a new album on the Backdrop/ObliqSound label from Nigerian bassist and composer Michael Olatuja, is certainly just that. Although Olatuja is only 28 and this … Continue reading REVIEW: Michael Olatuja — Speak
REVIEW: Alvin Queen – Mighty Long Way
As a traditionalist -- at least in most things -- I have to admit that finding a new album that's reminiscent of the best in straight-ahead, traditional jazz is a distinct pleasure. It's sort of like running into a rumpled old friend and realizing how much you've missed him. Veteran drummer Alvin Queen's Mighty Long … Continue reading REVIEW: Alvin Queen – Mighty Long Way
REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
I've been a fan of Latin jazz for a lot of years, and have noticed that Brazilian music seems to be the Big Dog. Which is not to say that there aren't plenty of other pooches in the pack, just that they seem to always be trotting along in the shadow of the alpha dog. … Continue reading REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
Receiving a new album to review from an artist I've reviewed before -- and liked a lot -- is sort of like running into an old friend. I'm happy to see someone I've enjoyed spending time with in the past, and at the same time I'm wondering what they've been up to lately. Karrin Allyson, … Continue reading REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
REVIEW: Buckwheat Zydeco -Lay Your Burden Down
Stanley Dural, Jr. November 14, 1947 - September 24, 2016 It's probably an overused expression, but it's difficult to avoid the label of "living legend" when describing someone like Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, Jr. The Louisiana native, whose stage name is also the name of his group -- Buckwheat Zydeco -- is still going strong after … Continue reading REVIEW: Buckwheat Zydeco -Lay Your Burden Down
REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
When you consider all the permutations that are possible with jazz combos -- not only with the number of musicians but also the instruments they play -- you might occasionally find yourself craving something simple and basic. One of the purest choices would have to be a trio consisting of piano, bass and drums. Having … Continue reading REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Let's get the obvious question out of the way first. Yes, Kyle Eastwood is Clint's son. And yes, he's the same kid who showed up with his Dad in 1982's Honkytonk Man, one of several of the elder Eastwood's movies that have connections with music. Clint's love of all things musical is pretty well documented, … Continue reading REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
REVIEW: Frank Wess Nonet – Once Is Not Enough
If you're into all things jazz, you might have read the recent announcement about the winners of this year's Jazz Journalists Association awards, and you might even have noticed that the title of Flutist of the Year was given to Frank Wess. It's just the latest of the many honors the talented instrumentalist has received … Continue reading REVIEW: Frank Wess Nonet – Once Is Not Enough
Geezer Music Club 