13 Feb
Tea for Two by Darryl Alexander
Saturday, 13 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
If the current trend continues, Darryl Alexander will continue to rise. The multi-instrumentalist is truly tough in his own right. He is joined by musicians such as Ken Kar…
12 Feb
The Jazz Guitar of Mark Capon by Mark Capon
Friday, 12 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Mark Capon is one of the new jazz guitarists to come on the scene, and he arrives with a lot of style and sensitive technique. His new release, THE JAZZ GUITAR OF MARK CAPO…
01 Feb
Seattle Joes by Sandy Prager
Monday, 01 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Seattle Joe's is a nice contemporary jazz collection of songs created by Sandy Prager, who performs them with much perfection utilizing either a classical guitar or a 12-st…
28 Jan
1 40 4 20 by Michael Williams and the Jazz Trespassers
Thursday, 28 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
With all songs written by Michael Williams and with Michael Williams on the piano leading the Jazz Trespassers, the jazz listening audience is given a fine example of conte…
The refreshing CD "Inspire" from saxophone player Andrew Neu is rightfully titled. Neu's ability to capture the essence of each piece with crisp harmon…
27 Jan
Bluestone by Joh Yamada
Wednesday, 27 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
The story is that Japanese-born Joh Yamada, 30 years old when he decide to make this recording, was waiting until he had something musically significant to say before he ta…
24 Jan
Virtues Of The Well by Robert Tye
Sunday, 24 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Without a doubt one of the more promising jazz guitarists to come about on the scene, Robert Tye displays not only an impressive display of melodic sensibility and techniqu…
22 Jan
Grand Tour Alignment by Solar Wind
Friday, 22 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Prepare to blast off with Sean Mason and the band as they take you on a funkified trip of wicked bass playing, tightly arranged songs, and some great chops from guitarist F…
The drums pound home, and it begins. The title is modern ("Explosion"), the sound is vintage: an early 'Sixties groove you find on Blue Note. Alex Graham holds the alto, an…
17 Jan
In The Spirit by Joe McPhee's Bluette
Sunday, 17 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Joe McPhee’s newest release on CIMP, IN THE SPIRIT, embodies the strengths of all the players who accompany him. Joe has played with the members of his double "bluettes" ma…
11 Jan
Karlas Fire by Tim Eyermann
Monday, 11 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
2-time Grammy nominee Tim Eyermann creates a strong mood statement with Karla's Fire, blending a handful of smooth jazz gems (both originals and classic renditions) and les…
10 Jan
First Time by Norm Douglas
Sunday, 10 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
The sound is simple but it is DEEP. You know the smooth jazz clichés: limp-noodle tone, solos going nowhere - you won't find them here. Norm Douglas has a pretty sound, wit…
09 Jan
Cuatro Corazones by Ernesto Dmitruk
Saturday, 09 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Argentinean guitarist Ernesto Dmitruk delivers sensitive yet effective chops on this enjoyable recording. Featuring stellar backing from his fellow band members, Ernesto is…
09 Jan
American Prophecy by Diversions
Saturday, 09 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This trio is one of a crop of new groups to pop up in Vancouver, BC in the last year that has seen a surge in fresh youthful vibes - bring it on! Diversions also happens to…
08 Jan
Do Nothing Till You Hear From Us! by Buddy DeFranco & Dave McKenna
Friday, 08 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Dave McKenna (Pianist) - McKenna was playing by seven, and taught himself to play jazz through radio and records. He joined Charlie Ventura in 1949, worked with Woody Herma…
05 Jan
The Seduction by Nick Colionne
Tuesday, 05 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
THE SEDUCTION, the third of a string of hits, showcases the smooth guitar work of Nick Colionne, and it is an innovative, imaginative CD. Each of the 11 selections are both…
04 Jan
Initiation by Anatholi Bulkin
Monday, 04 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Many musicians have been heaping all kinds of praise on Anatholi's guitar prowess. Greats such as bassist Harvie Swartz, Reed man David Liebman, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon…
03 Jan
The Fire Within by Don Braden
Sunday, 03 January 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
I was surprised to see that Don Braden did not receive a single vote in the latest Down Beat Critics’ Poll. Perhaps this is just another example of the amazing depth of tal…
29 Aug
Better Days by Everette Harp
Saturday, 29 August 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Everette Harp, sax player extraordinaire, musician who also performed on the Arsenio Hall Show years ago, truly outdid himself on this CD. I asked Everette which one of …
08 Jul
Urban Landscape by Al Henderson
Wednesday, 08 July 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This is an interesting album from the bassist composer Al Henderson, seemingly in very good company in the form of Alex Dean [bass clarinet, tenor sax], Pat LaBarbara [teno…
01 Jul
Echoes of Frank Sinatra by Gary Motley
Wednesday, 01 July 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
ECHOES OF FRANK SINATRA with solo piano stylings by Gary Motley is an enjoyable sound experience. The solo stylings are crisp and innovative, a combination of contemporary …
28 Jun
Young Billy Young (VHS movie, 1hr,29min) by Young Billy Young
Sunday, 28 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For the jazz historian, this movie is unique. Ask yourself, what big name jazz musician did the soundtrack for YOUNG BILLY YOUNG? What actor who sang the theme song in the …
Scott Shetler does some fine saxophone work with his original compositions on the entertaining CD, "C'mon Man," a lively collection of sounds, harmony, and entertainment! T…
20 Jun
Double Take by Joe McBride
Saturday, 20 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
DOUBLE TAKE is a contemporary jazz CD featuring the piano stylings of Joe McBride, plus he does singing that is literate, pleasurable, and articulate. Featuring songs writt…
18 Jun
Between The Lines by Cary DeNigris
Thursday, 18 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Jazz Guitarist Cary DeNigris breaks out with his nonstop grooving compilation "Hang On". This guy knows how to keep you hanging on to every note as it dips, dives and glide…
15 Jun
Inspiration by Sam Rivers' Rivbea All-Star Orchestra
Monday, 15 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
After a too-long hiatus from recording, multi-reed player/composer Sam Rivers is back with a vengeance! Here, he's at the helm of an orchestra consisting of many of the bes…
14 Jun
Keeping Up With The Jones,1998 by Bill Ware Y2K Jazz Quartet
Sunday, 14 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Vibist Bill Ware gets around: his band Vibes (reviewed nearby, on the site), the Jazz Passengers, and this quartet. Where the Vibes album "With Drawn" is more varied & expe…
13 Jun
Naked Emotions by Nika Rejto
Saturday, 13 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Nika Rejto's NAKED EMOTIONS is an example of fine contemporary jazz flute, and she is the complete mistress of her instrument -- never a harsh note sounded, only classic no…
11 Jun
Chase Live Forever by Bill Chase
Thursday, 11 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Chase was an American original when it came to playing a trumpet, and the listener can only wonder what jazz roads he might have pioneered had it not been for his untimely …
09 Jun
A Different Note - All Together by Bill Anschell
Tuesday, 09 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Seattle born pianist, Bill Anschell, now makes Atlanta his home. Many will recall his fine work on the Miles Osland CD "An Old Speckled Hen at Snapes Malting". The record b…
Matt Cooper and Andreas Allen make up the London based group, Outside. This album wins my vote for the year's most inventive and mind-opening release thus far. This was my …
07 Jun
Higher Grounds by Ingrid Jensen
Sunday, 07 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
At last: a young trumpet player who takes on the legacy of the late, great Woody Shaw! She's not one of those "re-boppers," in the words of Steve Lacy, content to regurgita…
06 Jun
Wandering Souls by Dave Douglas / Tiny Bell Trio
Saturday, 06 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas refuses to stand still. Where most other musicians get into a "style" or context, they ride it (or a variation of it) into the ground. From …
04 Jun
Hot House by Arturo Sandoval
Thursday, 04 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
On the house, the fiery Cuban born trumpet Arturo Sandoval leads a group that is slightly smaller than Maynard Fergusons' Big Bop Nouveau (two trumpets, two saxes, two trom…
01 Jun
Southern Extreme by Joel Futterman / 'Kidd' Jordan Trio
Monday, 01 June 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
In a new departure, Drimala Records are making this recording available only through their website. It cannot be found in music shops. The trio is composed of pianist/flaut…
31 May
The Usual Suspects by Ryan Kisor
Sunday, 31 May 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Trumpet player Ryan Kisor new CD is a sumptuous melding of style and technique. Three names quickly come to mind while listening to this talented musician. They are the lyr…
30 May
Behind the Bridge by Andy Narell
Saturday, 30 May 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
If you have ever been in the Caribbean you know what a relaxing feeling it is to lounge on the white sand beach under a simmering sun and listen to the soothing melodies bo…
29 May
Chocolate City Groovin by Marcus Johnson
Friday, 29 May 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This talented pianist displays a diverse mix of contemporary jazz and hip-hop beats mixed to form a blend so appealing that this album is sure to touch the hearts of many m…
When I think that Mr. Lorber has finally let me hear his signature, he shows me that there is more to his name. He is still one of the most talented artists doing music tod…
27 May
When Music Calls by Anton Schwartz
Wednesday, 27 May 1998
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Classy classic jazz with a contemporary semblance is what Anton Schwartz has put together for your listening enjoyment in his new release, "When Music Calls". Anton has bee…
Here is the most recent in Jamal's recent "essence" series, and, once again, Jamal does not let us down. Since the early part of his career, Jamal's style has always been u…
André's second release has some wonderful compositions. My favorite is the Getz like tune, "Roxy Roundabout", written by pianist Adrian Clarke. André has a chance to stretc…
02 Jan
Three Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Saturday, 02 January 1993
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This CD was loaned to me for review by a neighbor of mine who knows that I have an affinity for excellent guitar work. This one definitely fits the bill, although the main …
01 Jan
Truest Heart by Nelson Rangell
Friday, 01 January 1993
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This is one of Nelson Rangell's early works and reveals the performer as a master of his instrument; he plays with style, complex harmony, and a strong sense of melody line…
05 Jan
Secret Story by Pat Metheny
Sunday, 05 January 1992
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
If time really tests music’s legitimacy, then Pat Metheny: Secret Story is a classic achievement. This 14 track foray through the mind of a leading edge contemporary…
04 Jan
Re-Birth of the Cool by Gerry Mulligan
Saturday, 04 January 1992
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Visiting in a Borders store, I came across the following remarkable CD by Gerry Mulligan and purchased it for the home CD library! The personnel include Wallace Roney on tr…
03 Jan
Once When I was Very Young by Dave Brubeck
Friday, 03 January 1992
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
I have always enjoyed the piano craft of Dave Brubeck, and he is at his finest in this CD originally recorded on May 6 and May 7 in 1991. This one has Brubeck on piano, Bil…
01 Jan
Oasis by Eric Marienthal
Tuesday, 01 January 1991
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Eric Marienthal is always creative and very, very good on whatever saxophone performances he does! This CD contains some fine work by Marienthal, and the selections are "Hu…
The guitar of Rick Stone is both smooth and adventurous, similar to Kenny Burrell's various excursions. Rick's "Far East" is a fine vehicle for Rick. Such a glorious journe…
03 Jan
Dancing with Tigers by Tom Borton
Wednesday, 03 January 1990
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Tom Borton's CD, "Dancing With Tigers," has a lot going for it, and a lot of enjoyable songs! Many of these jazz compositions are written by Tom Borton and put to excellent…