Brad Shepik’s latest trio record Places You Go features the guitarist/composer continuing his upward trajectory. Having worked with artists like Dave Douglas and Paul Motian through the years, his sensibilities and abilities have become both refined and open. His playing and writing get deeper with each recording and this one may be a bigger leap forward than any in his recent past. He’s joined again by Tom Rainey on the drums who is consistently creative without losing …

The title "66 2/3," connotes the right combination of nostalgia and humor to represent the vibe and intent of The Frank & Joe Show’s recently released sophomore record. While the music and packaging on their new recording often draws heavily on the past, in no way is The Frank & Joe Show strictly a ‘nostalgia’ act. In fact, it seems that co-leaders Frank Vignola (guitar) and Joe Ascione (percussion) have been directing much of their collective energies toward countering that very notion, …

Scott Henderson has recently released another trio record entitled "Live." It's with his long-standing members John Humphrey on bass and Kirk Covington on drums and vocals. This one is more along the lines of his blues/rock vibe and much of it is very unrestrained, 'in your face' playing--as it should be for a guitarist who is so eclectic in his tastes and so accomplished in many styles of playing. Jeff Beck, Richie Blackmore, Albert King, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield are all guitarists he cit …

Pianist/Composer Amina Figarova’s new recording "Come Escape With Me" is another welcome step in this artist’s positive direction. Ms. Figarova is equal parts writer and player and very adept in both roles. She’s based in one of the more fertile "non-American" jazz epicenters, The Netherlands, giving her a different perspective through which to filter her jazz concepts. The results are nonetheless very straight-ahead, accessible, and enjoyable. The new record features her septet which has bee …