It should come as no surprise that the Affinity Trio sounds as good as they do, considering their regular gig at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. The tightness and telepathic interplay heard throughout their debut album, Hindsight, only comes through playing together on a consistent basis. Trumpeter Eric Jacobson, bassist Clay Schaub and pianist Pamela York make some excellent music in this seemingly sparse trio. What's really interesting is that... read more
Listeners who associate the concept of free improvisation with harsh chaos or impenetrable obscurity will be pleasantly surprised by this Las Vegas-based trio, which wanders amiably through seven open-ended yet even-tempered pieces. This grounding is largely due to drummer Johhn Nasshan, who sticks closely to bop-based rhythms and keeps even the knottiest excursions in the pocket. Branco's piano pulls in the opposite direction, with deep... read more
4-STARS There are wondrous stories to be found in everything the eye can see, the ear can hear, and the imagination can dream up. Scenes - the trio of guitarist John Stowell, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop - has been readily and steadily making that point for more than fifteen years, harnessing natural beauty and concocting chimerical designs that extol the virtues of elasticity, mutability, and high-level communication.... read more
Eric Jacobson blazes. In person, the naturally powerful Milwaukee trumpeter has long conveyed the impression: "I'm gonna cut anybody here, and all comers." That's fueled some willfully dynamic solos. With trumpet poised, his muscular angularity recalls an Italian Futurist sculpture. So, Discover comes as a surprise, perhaps as a self-discovery, trading competitiveness for musical and artistic maturity.
The tune "Discover" arose from the... read more
John Stowell is a veteran guitarist who, despite their different sounds and repertoire, can be thought of as a latter-day Jim Hall. Like him, Stowell is consistently relaxed both in his improvising style and in his sound. His choice of notes is advanced yet, due to his tone, his solos often sound soothing. He never plays the obvious and close listening to his playing always reveals plenty of subtle surprises.
Scenes: Destinations is a trio... read more
Vibraphonist Joe Locke has been steadily turning out recordings for many years, of consistently high quality, and this latest release is no exception. The vibraphonist and his friends present us with a variety of hard- to post-bop tunes, some gentle and floating, others wild and frenetic, but all gorgeously played. With Robert Rodriguez on piano, a great rhythm section, and a bit of spice from sax and trumpet, the ensemble works together with... read more
Virtuosity can, when it's the raison d'�tre, be an impediment; when it's a foundation, in service of the music, it can be liberating. Storms/Nocturnes was initially the brainchild of Tim Garland but, after first convening as a subset of the sextet on the closing track to the British saxophonist/composer's Made By Walking (Stretch, 2000), ultimately evolved into a more egalitarian working trio. Both Storms/Nocturnes (Sirocco, 2001) and... read more
Hipsters attuned to the wave of highbrow, dance-friendly grooves resurrected by modern Hammond B-3 trios such as Soulive and Medeski Martin and Wood may do very well to seek out some of the last old-school purveyors of organ-centered soul jazz: Chicago's Deep Blue Organ Trio can cite references on their collective resume that would span the likes of Miles Davis and Kenny Burrell; and on their latest, "Folk Music," the sound is as fresh as this... read more
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Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Hanna Kay, Cult News (Paris)
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Budapest, Rudolf Radnai
Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Jared Hall - Hometown
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Dawn Clement - Dear Ms. Dearie
by Editor, Bman's Blues Report
Jared Hall - Hometown
by Dee Dee McNeil, Making A Scene
Affinity Trio - New Outlook
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect
Michael Dease Big Band - Return Trajectory
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Brad Goode Quintet Feat. Ernie Watts - Live Your Dream: Live at North Street Cabaret
by Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move
Maja Jaku - Blessed & Bewitched
by Tom Haugen, Take Effect