22 May
(s/t) by Phillips Grier & Flinner
Saturday, 22 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This wonderful CD consists of acoustic music by Todd Phillips (acoustic bass), David Grier (guitar) and Matt Flinner (mandolin) - I say "acoustic music" because to simply s…
20 May
Requiem by Branford Marsalis
Thursday, 20 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
One of the most interesting but least-noted stories of recent years has been the resurgence of Branford Marsalis. Originally regarded as at least his brother's equal in tal…
One of the best cds released during 1999, Francesco Crosara's "Colors" is an electrifying and imaginative jazz collection! Francesco Crosara on piano, with special guest Vo…
Anatole Gerasimov, soprano sax and flute player, was born in Moscow, and started to play jazz while in his teens. It was 1973 when Gerasimov, having emerged as a star in An…
16 May
Los Hombres Calientes by Los Hombres Calientes
Sunday, 16 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
The combination of Bill Summers, Irvin Mayfield and Jason Marsalis created a grand multicultural musical landscape. "Los Hombres Calientes" is exactly what the title would …
16 May
Spaced: Collected Works 1980-1999 by Longineu Parsons
Sunday, 16 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
I never heard of this Parsons fella 'til this disc came my way. Seems he played with a lot of big names - Doc Severinson, Cab Calloway, Kalaparusha Maurice McIntire - but t…
15 May
Taos Tales by Robert Mirabal
Saturday, 15 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For jazz listeners, this uniquely original collection by Robert Mirabal on flutes, keyboards, and vocals, backed with Michael Kott on cello and bass, Stev Castillo on guita…
15 May
Heart of a Legend by Chico O'Farrill
Saturday, 15 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Well, you know what they say, "better late than never." At nearly 80 years old, widespread recognition has taken its good old time in catching up with composer and band lea…
Now this will open your eyes. Before he joined the Yellowjackets, Robben Ford was a blistering bluesman, with a tangy rock-inspired tone. Herein are three club dates, inclu…
13 May
Truth Is.... by Steve Million
Thursday, 13 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Here is the best kind of nostalgia. Steve Million has love for the past, both styles and musicians. (He clearly loves Monk, as some tracks make clear.) But you get no re-cr…
James mellow jamming on each one of these tunes is engaging and worthy. He employs different rhythmic structures ranging from the late-night groove to the uptempo energetic…
10 May
Slow Dance At The Asylum by Molly Flannery Quintet
Monday, 10 May 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Sometimes you come across such a wonderful jazz talent it is hard to define and explain that person's special gifts as an artist! Such is the case with the wonderfully tale…
This is the first CD solo piano release by jazz pianist, Phillip Strange. It is a beautiful example of how a truly gifted pianist can take a song and expand its lyricism to…
29 Apr
Angels of Fire by Michael Mason with the Exploratory Ensemble
Thursday, 29 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Michael Mason's abilities and talents are fully realized on this magnificent jazz symphonic approach, "Angels of Fire." Many excellent musicians contributed outstanding per…
28 Apr
Askold Buk by Askold Buk
Wednesday, 28 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
With this disc, we're exposed to some heavy influences on guitarist Askold Buk as he sets down the most mellow, clear guitar licks over hard-hitting drums delivered by Bria…
26 Apr
I'm in Love by Eric Loffswold
Monday, 26 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This CD gave me the same soothing feeling that Sonny Stitt did on many occasions.The title track is relaxed and sassy with some swinging baritone work and clean piano. T…
24 Apr
They Cant Take That Away From Me by John Sheridan
Saturday, 24 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
John Sheridan is a rarity as a jazz pianist in that he is equally at ease with any style and can perform any style with complete perfection. He is, a pianist's pianist, a m…
23 Apr
The Seduction by Nick Colionne
Friday, 23 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
THE SEDUCTION showcases the smooth guitar work of Nick Colionne, and it is an innovative, imaginative CD. Each of the 11 selections are memorable, and enjoyable. Colionn…
22 Apr
Boundless by Scott Wilkie
Thursday, 22 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Ever hear a CD for the first time and realize you've found something truly unique? This self-produced debut release from keyboardist Scott Wilkie is one of those rare relea…
Erik Friedlander is a top-notch jazz and improvisational cellist and composer. He's played with Lee Konitz, Joe Lovano and John Zorn, and has an excellent band in Chimera, …
17 Apr
The Elements: Water by David Liebman
Saturday, 17 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Multi-reed player/composer Liebman became known to the jazz world as one of Miles Davis' 70s band members in his influential-yet-at-the-time-maligned electric period, as we…
15 Apr
The Beginning by Gabriel Rodriguez
Thursday, 15 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Gabriel Rodriguez is a gifted young jazz bass guitarist who knows his way around in the Latin jazz music world! Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he has been playing bass sinc…
14 Apr
Sorry, No Decaf by Joel Frahm
Wednesday, 14 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Joel Frahm is a NYC-based saxguy who often plays with drummer/composer Matt Wilson at the NYC club Detour. He plays here in what might be called the neo-mainstream bag - th…
14 Apr
Second Course by Marc Sabatella
Wednesday, 14 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Jazz from the northwest is what we have here - and it's a damn shame that few outside of jazz maniacs who seek out music on small labels will get to here this gem. This rec…
13 Apr
Some of my best friends are Singers by Ray Brown
Tuesday, 13 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Ray Brown has acquired the name as the Father of modern jazz with his approach to the bass. Double bass player, He moved to New York around 1945 and immediately became part…
13 Apr
Jobim For Lovers by Vincent Herring
Tuesday, 13 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
The next time you are browsing the jazz section at Borders, look for the new release from alto saxist, Vincent Herring. Then find his new CD, "Jobim For Lovers." For those …
12 Apr
Cool Too by The Basie Bunch
Monday, 12 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For those who enjoy big band, this is a fine recording! Total time is 61:49, and the listened definitely gets their money's worth! The selections include "Close Quarters," …
11 Apr
The Great Songs of George Gershwin by Various Artists
Sunday, 11 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This collection of music by George Gershwin contains many definitive performances of his music by such artists as Benny Goodman, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, George Ben…
11 Apr
Cha Cha Lounge by Proteus 7
Sunday, 11 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For the lovers of good cha cha music, this is the ultimate and latest collection out for release! 16 selections, including "Brazil," "Besame Mucho," "Better Days Ahead," "P…
09 Apr
The Cure by Keith Jarrett Trio
Friday, 09 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
It is always a pleasure to discover a work by composer- pianist Keith Jarrett! This one was recorded live at Town Hall in New York on April 21, 1990 and released during 199…
08 Apr
Paradox Trio by Matt Darriau
Thursday, 08 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This is a very unusual CD, the focus in on musical interaction with a multi-ethnic world fusion, as very evident in the selection titled "Turkic," written by Matt Darriau. …
07 Apr
Just Havin Sme Fun by Bobby Lewis
Wednesday, 07 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Bobby Lewis has created a winner in this CD, and it is one you can listen to again and again with total pleasure, and relaxation. Pianist Jim Ryan adds sparkle and joy to t…
When cornet is mentioned, one of the first names that come to mind and spoken is jazz cornet legend, Ruby Braff. He consistently creates excellent music, and his performanc…
05 Apr
Ruby Braff with Strings: In the Wee, Small Hours by Ruby Braff
Monday, 05 April 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Ruby Braff is one of the world's finest living jazz cornet performers, and this release is one of his very finest to date. It contains 18 selections, including Braff's clas…
27 Mar
The Book of Time by Ensemble Elektra
Saturday, 27 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
I had a hard time getting a handle on this disc. The Book of Time is full of beautiful melodies that almost hide the musicianship of the players. That many of the arrangeme…
19 Mar
Just In Time by David Kahn Trio
Friday, 19 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For those of you who have not heard the David Kahn Trio, give a listen to the release, JUST IN TIME, for this CD collection of 8 songs is good jazz listening! Some of the s…
18 Mar
Commonality by Jeff Coffin
Thursday, 18 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Jeff Coffin is a young fella who plays tenor & alto saxes.... and that's all I know about him. I DO know that he's damn good at both of 'em, & unlike alotta young cats, thi…
17 Mar
All Night Long by Dylan Cramer
Wednesday, 17 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This session incorporates many classics and Dylan Cramer's interpretations are pensive and intriguing throughout. The tracks are relatively short, totaling to just over 50 …
One look at the big map of Texas on the cover of this CD, and you know what's coming: Guitarist Ray McCarty is going to deliver some solid blues and jazz, but not without l…
10 Mar
A Map of the World by Pat Metheny
Wednesday, 10 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Pat Metheny's prolific nature is only matched by his chameleon-like capacity for fitting into any musical situation while remaining true to his basic identity. From the mor…
09 Mar
Du Demon et dautres questions by Francesco Cusa
Tuesday, 09 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Francesco Cusa's 1999 release on Bassesfere Records, "Du Demon et D'Autres Questions", proposes that it will be an interesting album by the very fact that it comes in a rou…
05 Mar
Dim the Lights by Mark Murphy and Benny Green
Friday, 05 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Still in time for a special gift, or Christmas surprise, many jazz listeners who enjoy the sound of a fine vocalist accompanied by a fine pianist will find this a remarkabl…
04 Mar
Dim the Lights by Mark Murphy and Benny Green
Thursday, 04 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
This disc of talented musicians primarily from the Czech Republic: Michal Gera, trumpet, flugelhorn; Milan Svoboda, piano; Martin Lehky, bass guitar; Ivan Audes, drums, and…
04 Mar
Searching by Michael Cooke Quartet
Thursday, 04 March 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For listeners of contemporary jazz, they are in for a nice treat when they put on "Searching," a compact treat of original music which includes songs such as "Malcontent," …
27 Feb
Bryan Oliver by Bryan Oliver
Saturday, 27 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
BRYAN OLIVER by Bryan Oliver and friends is a lively little surprise of contemporary jazz which should touch on just about everybody's interest. One of the most intriguing …
27 Feb
Rush & Hustle by Wendell Harrison & Mama's Licking Stick Clarinet Ensemble
Saturday, 27 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
For those new to Wendell Harrison and his Mama's Licking Stick Clarinet Ensemble, the new release, RUSH & HUSTLE, will be an enjoyable treat for jazz clarinet fans! There a…
21 Feb
Audio Visionaries: Street Pranks & Put-Ons by Jim Coyle & Sharpe
Sunday, 21 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
If you didn't hear it, you wouldn't believe it. At most, the premise is scripted; all else is ad-libbed, at the spur of the moment. The comedians feed the straight lines; t…
19 Feb
Two Coasts by Michael Zilber
Friday, 19 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Saxophonist-composer Michael Zilber gives the listener some original compositions that each carry a special jump and shout of joy about them! It is a meeting of east coast …
18 Feb
3 Flutes Up by Chip Shelton
Thursday, 18 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
Chip Shelton is a master on and of the flute. What a remarkable and creative individual he is with the flute. In a crazy world where people have an inner itch to give some …
14 Feb
Jazz Piano Christmas by Beggie Adair
Sunday, 14 February 1999
Published in
Contemporary Jazz - CD Reviews
As we close out this millennium and welcome a new one, it's nice to hear this unique collection of Christmas gems from pianist Beggie Adair. Along with a few traditional nu…