Whether we realize it or not, we sometimes approach tribute albums a little sideways, sort of edging up to them while wondering if the artist will do justice to the original. I suppose it's a natural enough attitude to have, but it seems a little unfair if we judge them too quickly. Those thoughts were … Continue reading REVIEW: Jaimee Paul – At Last
Category: Review
REVIEW: Hendrik Meurkens – Samba To Go!
For the third year in a row, the otherwise frigid month of January is warmed up for Latin jazz lovers via a new Hendrik Meurkens album on the Zoho label. Samba To Go! follows the pattern set by 2008's Sambatropolis and 2007's New York Samba Jazz Quintet, once again showcasing Meurkens' talent on both harmonica … Continue reading REVIEW: Hendrik Meurkens – Samba To Go!
REVIEW: Leonisa Ardizzone Quintet – The Scent Of Bitter Almonds
As the executive director of the Salvadori Center, a charitable New York educational foundation, Leonisa Ardizzone is making a real difference in kids' lives. In her alternate life as the leader of the Leonisa Ardizzone Quintet, the talented jazz artist proves that she's a multi-tasker with few equals. Her new album, The Scent Of Bitter … Continue reading REVIEW: Leonisa Ardizzone Quintet – The Scent Of Bitter Almonds
REVIEW: Enclave – Enclave Diaspora
A few years back, multi-instrumentalist Hilary Noble brought his remarkable talents into a partnership with equally skilled pianist Rebecca Cline and formed Enclave, a group dedicated to their concept of an Afro-Latin/post-bop jazz fusion. The quartet's initial album, 2005's Enclave, found a receptive audience among jazz fans and critics and formed the basis for a … Continue reading REVIEW: Enclave – Enclave Diaspora
REVIEW: Michael Higgins – The Moon And The Lady Dancing
My first review of the new year is - ironically enough - an album that seems to have a couple of different issue dates. Jazz guitarist Michael Higgins' effort, The Moon And The Lady Dancing, appears to have been available in some spots last Summer, but the album's official street date is January 1st, 2009. … Continue reading REVIEW: Michael Higgins – The Moon And The Lady Dancing
Album Of The Year – It’s A Tie!
First I need to get something out of the way. In a review I wrote earlier this year, I mentioned that the album I'd reviewed had attained a special status -- it had become a VCD. I then went on to explain that the sobriquet stands for Visor CD -- albums that I like so … Continue reading Album Of The Year – It’s A Tie!
REVIEW: Cynthia Hilts – Second Story Breeze
If you're unfamiliar with New York-based jazz artist Cynthia Hilts, you might assume that she's just one of many conventional female vocalists active on the current music scene. But if you listen to her new album, Second Story Breeze, now out on the Blond Coyote label, you'll discover that she's something special. Hilts is a … Continue reading REVIEW: Cynthia Hilts – Second Story Breeze
REVIEW: Barbara King – Perfect Timing
Although she's been a hit on tour and in clubs for many years, New York-based jazz singer/songwriter Barbara King recently decided that the time was right to take her turn in the recording studio. Her debut album - appropriately named Perfect Timing - is now out on the CCC Music Group label, and it gives … Continue reading REVIEW: Barbara King – Perfect Timing
REVIEW: Hot Club de Norvège – Django Music
The prospect of hearing the music of legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt always captures my attention -- and my attention is sometimes a difficult critter to snare. But Hot Club de Norvège did just that with the title of their newest album on the Hot Club Records label, Django Music. Of course, to complete the … Continue reading REVIEW: Hot Club de Norvège – Django Music
REVIEW: Roger Kellaway – Live At The Jazz Standard
Virtuoso is a word that's often used to describe a skilled musician, and I'm probably as guilty as anyone of using it a little too casually. However, this is not one of those times. Veteran jazz pianist Roger Kellaway is a virtuoso by anyone's standards, and his newest release, Roger Kellaway - Live At The … Continue reading REVIEW: Roger Kellaway – Live At The Jazz Standard
Geezer Music Club 