Creating an eclectic cocktail with the swamp tradition of New Orleans and the suave sophistication of New York, John Ellis has created a cocktail of pure attitude on his new release, Dance Like There's No Tomorrow. Though geographically hundreds of miles separate the cities, an undefeatable spirit joins them. Both cities have faced recent catastrophes but both are coming back intact, licking their wounds, but healing and going forward in spite of their losses. Pla …

The cover photo on the album Meow Baby displays a very good-looking, almost impish, young man. That photo comes to life when a rich, deep, mellow and very manly voice comes across the phone line for this interview. With Danny Lerman on an extensive tour for his new album, it is almost natural to begin the interview with: "Good Morning. Do you know where you are?" Lerman quickly comes back with a lighthearted chuckle, setting the tone for an interesting, lively conversation, …

The old saying, "Three times a charm," may be true for some things. But, for Les Sabler, his fourth album is a masterpiece. Braving deep waters with classic hits like Aretha Franklin’s "Daydreaming" and Peabo Bryson’s "Can You Stop The Rain,’ then adding a marvelous collection of originals, offering plenty of textures and moods, Sabler definitely will be on the map with his latest release, Sweet Drive. Adding a group of all-star musicians and singers to this already exciting album, alo …

From Burghausen Jazz Festival in Germany to a New Year’s Bash in Morocco for King Hassan, and back in the United States at many of the finest settings, composer, pianist, all-around nice guy, Lafayette Harris, Jr., has enjoyed it all, including a coaching position for youngsters in Japan. Harris was also the music director and conductor for "Cab Calloway’s Legacy of Swing Tour" in a ten-week tour of the United States. With all that experience and stardom, Harris has earned a station in …

Guitarist, Mark Elf, is dedicated to celebrating his music, his career and his life. For more than 30 years, Elf has written songs, played guitar, taught and recorded music. Now head of his own label at www.jenbayjazz.com, Mark Elf is glad to be alive, and glad to be doing what he does, in a voice that’s all his own. JazzReview: I first became aware of you when I had the good fortune to review Glad To Be Back. I was so impressed with your work, I began searching the web to find …