Just in time for holiday giving - even if only to yourself - is a new 3-CD collection that just might make you feel like strapping on your shootin' iron and saddling up your ol' cayuse -- if you have one, that is. These days most of us get our transport from the horses under … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – Boots, Buckles & Spurs
Category: Review
REVIEW: Marco Granados – Music Of Venezuela
Brazilian jazz is probably the first type of music that comes to mind when you think of Latin jazz but there are many others, and one of the best is Venezuelan. Doing his part to help expose jazz lovers to the music of his homeland, flute virtuoso Marco Granados is offering up his latest album … Continue reading REVIEW: Marco Granados – Music Of Venezuela
REVIEW: Christian Scott – Live At Newport
As a long-time jazz fan, it gets my attention whenever I see Live At Newport in the title of an album, because it evokes memories of Ellington, Brubeck, and other legendary jazz performers who have appeared at the festival through the years. Of course, it also creates expectations -- and that can sometimes be the … Continue reading REVIEW: Christian Scott – Live At Newport
REVIEW: Garry Dial & Terre Roche – US An’Them
An unusual but intriguing new release on the Just Dial Roche label brings to life a feel-good project from the duo of jazz musician Garry Dial and folk singer Terre Roche. For years, they've been fascinated by the national anthems of many countries, and have spent long hours arranging, playing, and singing those tunes. That … Continue reading REVIEW: Garry Dial & Terre Roche – US An’Them
REVIEW: Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Boxing Dreams
Boxing Dreams, a new release on the Songlines label from Sean Noonan and his Brewed By Noon group, adds a few more tales to last year's Stories To Tell, which introduced his vision of "wandering folk music" to many new fans. Once again the unique drummer/composer is providing listeners a chance to experience a fascinating … Continue reading REVIEW: Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Boxing Dreams
REVIEW: Gilfema – Gilfema + 2
Another intriguing release from the ObliqSound label (previously reviewed: Sira) is now available, and it's once again a fascinating foray into international jazz. Gilfema, a talented trio that some will remember from their self-titled 2004 debut album, has now produced Gilfema + 2, and once again it's well worth a listen. Members of the threesome … Continue reading REVIEW: Gilfema – Gilfema + 2
REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
After reviewing a number of new albums that feature unusual instruments and/or odd combinations thereof, I think I was more than ready for something ordinary. But let me quickly state that I mean ordinary only in the sense of conventional instrumentation. Our Delight, a new release from the James Moody/Hank jones Quartet on the IPO … Continue reading REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
REVIEW: Mort Weiss – All Too Soon
It seems as though I'm on a roll when it comes to reviewing new albums by unusual instrumental duos. Recently I spotlighted a twosome who combined a trumpet with an African kora, and a while before that I reviewed an album by a couple of guys playing tuba and harmonica. This time around the instruments … Continue reading REVIEW: Mort Weiss – All Too Soon
REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
A new issue from Motema Music is a little bit of a different animal. Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz features jazz guitarist/vocalist K.J. Denhert in a collection of live performances from the Italian Umbria jazz festival. It's a follow-up to her successful Lucky 7 album from earlier this year and includes some of the same … Continue reading REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing music is that it gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists - and even entire genres - that might otherwise be overlooked by many listeners. With that in mind, I've often featured reviews of new albums from the deep South, especially those from South Louisiana. … Continue reading REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts