It's always nice to see a respected jazz veteran have the opportunity to get his name on the front of a new album, especially if it's someone who has for the most part kept a pretty low profile over the course of his career. Drummer Al Foster has been in the business for many years, … Continue reading REVIEW: Al Foster Quartet – Love, Peace And Jazz!
Category: Review
REVIEW: Johnnie Allan – Memories
A seemingly endless parade of tropical storms sweeping into the Southeast and blanketing bayou country leads me to one conclusion. It's time to shrug off the bad weather and listen to Memories, a new album on the Jin Records label from Louisiana swamp-pop legend Johnnie Allan. Johnnie, who was born John Allan Guillot and is … Continue reading REVIEW: Johnnie Allan – Memories
REVIEW: Todd Herbert – The Tree Of Life
Close on the heels of his success with 2007's The Path To Infinity, tenor sax wizard Todd Herbert brings us The Tree Of Life, again on the Metropolitan label. With his newest, he's once again offering up a mix of contemporary jazz with a post-bop touch. Herbert has been playing professionally since the early 1990's, … Continue reading REVIEW: Todd Herbert – The Tree Of Life
REVIEW: Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
Although he's still only in his twenties, jazz keyboardist Aaron Parks has already put together an impressive resume. He has a background that combines formal musical training with playing next to some of the best, and already has several albums to his credit. Invisible Cinema, his newest effort and his first for Blue Note, will … Continue reading REVIEW: Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
Another in a series of Concord albums celebrating the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Brubeck, Tjader) presents the music of an American-born, but purely Latin music maestro, Tito Puente. It was recorded during his band's triumphant appearance at the 1977 festival, the first of many he would make at the storied venue through the years. At … Continue reading REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
Last year I reviewed an album that featured jazz harmonica (and it was actually my second review of the group's music) and I also reviewed an album that showcased jazz on a bassoon. So I guess it makes perfect sense for me to review a new release starring a couple of guys who offer jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
I've written a couple of reviews recently that spotlight recordings of legendary performances from the Monterey Jazz Festival, but this time around I'm focusing on an artist who will soon be making his very first appearance at the storied show. Vocalist Jamie Davis will be bringing his mellow baritone to Monterey in September, close on … Continue reading REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
REVIEW: 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck – Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007)
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)
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
Geezer Music Club 