Stalwarts of the Chicago music scene and veterans of an impressive array of collaborations with a who’s who of jazz, pianist Bradley Williams, bassist m: Eric Hochberg –who together penned all the tunes– and drummer Jim Widlowski make their debut trio recording with 3, an elegant, straight-ahead set of originals. Much of Williams’ recorded output over the past twenty years has reflected his love of the music of m: Cole Porter , Jimmy Van Heusen, Frank Loesser and The Great American Songbook, so the unhurried, melody-driven lyricism in the playing here should come as no surprise. Whilst the music reflects a more romantic era of the classic piano trio, there is nevertheless, a subtly contemporary air about the music…

Date: Sep 27th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

Arabian music is distinguished by its historical documentation as far back as the seventh century. If performed and heard today, it is readily identifiable for its distinct configuration or format, based on maqamat (modes) and jins (sets of notes), which provide its unique ethnic sound. Enter into this equation guitarist Michel Sajrawy, who catapults Arabian-derived music into the stratosphere with Arabop. He has perfected his ability to perform exotic arrangements on his trusted Fender Stratocaster by bending and coercing his strings into a swift sequence of microtones and quarter-notes, all done with cultural authenticity fused with rock, blues and bop…

Date: Sep 27th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

It’s a relatively rare occasion when Marc Johnson releases an album under his own name, but based on the bassist’s track record–from Bass Desires (ECM, 1985) through to Shades of Jade (ECM, 2005)–it’s always one to celebrate. As Johnson fast approaches 60, it seems like only yesterday that he emerged as the bassist in m: Bill Evans ‘ final trio in the late 1970s, before the piano legend’s passing in 1980. But if time has passed, one thing that has remained constant is Johnson’s ability (not unlike Evans) to balance power and elegance, yin and yang. Shades of Jade was, for some, the sleeper hit of 2005 and so it’s great to find Johnson bringing back the core trio and saxophonist m: Joe Lovano (who also appeared on select tracks), though this time around he acknowledges the greater significance of pianist (and wife) m: Eliane Elias by putting her name up on the marquee, beside his own…

Date: Sep 26th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

While saxophonist m: Russ Nolan ‘s move from Chicago to New York in 2002 was an important turning point in his career, his subsequent immersion in the New York Salsa dancing world has had an even greater impact on his music. Nolan learned to free his body and his mind to the effects of the rhythms as they washed over his very being, and he’s allowed this same mindset to seep into his music…

Date: Sep 26th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

There will be no more opportunities to experience saxophonist Sam Rivers, who passed away in 2011, at 89. Then again, you probably hadn’t caught him live in decades, since he chose to live in Florida from the early 1990s, although he did release several large ensemble sessions.

Date: Sep 25th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

Promise of more to come came with the numerical tag at the end of pianist Alan Broadbent’s superb Live At Giannelli Square: Vol. 1 (Chilly Bin, 2010); two years later, he’s made good on that promise. Live At Giannelli Square: Vol. 2, recorded as its predecessor was just seeing release, finds Broadbent and his brilliantly understated trio mates back at the same San Fernando Valley venue, making magic in their own sweet way…

Date: Sep 25th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews

Hungarian-born drummer m: Ferenc Nemeth is primarily known as the percussive presence behind the music of one-of-a-kind guitarist m: Lionel Loueke , but roles are reversed on the drummer’s triumphant sophomore album. Loueke, saxophonist m: Joshua Redman and pianist m: Kenny Werner join forces with, and in support of, Nemeth, forming one of the most potent foursomes on record in 2012…

Date: Sep 24th, 2012 · No Comments · Categories: Jazz CD Reviews