Bassist, Harvie S, formerly known as "Harvie Swartz," doesn’t need to begin convincing anyone of his multi-talented musicianship. As a leader, composer, and sideman for a stellar list of legendary Jazz artists over the years, Harvie is presently creating something new and exciting. "New Beginning" the second album of Harvie’s latest project, "Eye Contact," displays the versatility and harmonic complexity of his compositions influenced by Afro-Cuban and Latin rhythms. But wait, just when you …

Capture if you will a moment in your life when the mood, music, and a scene from a particular movie engraved a moment in your memory bank. Likelihood is that the film you were watching with your significant other close by your side, would be instantly recalled when you hear that familiar theme. We all have those experiences at one time or another and it is dedicated artists like Beegie Adair that bring them back to life, note by note. Whether by jewel box or performance, Ms. Adair feels what you …

The Co-AuthorThe Pat Metheny Group, which is actually touring after having taken a break for four years, is not only one of the longest existing but also one of the most successful existing jazz groups ever. It is distinguished by not having lost its identity as a result of popularity. Some have concluded that the group's success points at an inferior concept, a low profile music, but whenever these critics are asked just to count the beat of a randomly chosen piece of the group's repe …

Pianist and composer, Michel Camilo, is a prominent figure in the Latin jazz scene. With a rich knowledge of both classical and jazz, Michel has the fire and excitement of Tito Puente and the sophistication of Bill Evans. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Michel showed an early interest in music, composing his first song at the age of five. It is no wonder that Michel became a member of the National Symphony Orchestra at age 16. His musical studies were not limited to the 13 years h …

New York City was the attraction that tenor/soprano saxophonist, Marcus Strickland, was drawn to like a magnet. Relocating from his hometown in Miami, Florida, New York dangled the proverbial jazz carrot that would further his musical education and place him smack-dab in the heart of America’s jazz scene. Since moving there in 1997, Strickland has be seen at notable jazz spots around town, like the evening I saw him at the Blue Note playing with Tom Harrell. Marcus immediately caught my attentio …