Andrew Zender

About Andrew Zender

It’s been said that jazz was born in New Orleans and it grew up in Kansas City.  That’s where I grew up too, learning to love the sounds of the city’s storied past.  Now I’m on a mission to unearth what I haven’t heard.

Reviews

Vince Guaraldi: The Definitive Vince Guaraldi

By Andrew Zender

An individual at Coca-Cola's ad agency proposes the idea of a Charlie Brown Christmas Special, with music by Vince Guaraldi. And a new American institution was born... [5 November 2009]

Various Artists: Light on the South Side

By Andrew Zender

Sounds like golden outtakes from lost sessions where James Brown's backing band got together with Booker T and the MGs at the Stax studios with an insanely talented batch of unknown singers. [4 November 2009]

Various Artists: The Rough Guide to Blues and Beyond

By Andrew Zender

Its title indicates perhaps an easily digestible and accessible entry point to the raw, expressive power of the blues; however, the music here is filtered through many genres with mixed results. [2 November 2009]

The Wailin’ Jennys: Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House

By Andrew Zender

A variety of delectable roots music offerings, including blues, country, spirituals, and folk – even with a little bit of jazz and bluegrass thrown in the mix. [15 October 2009]

Lester Young: Centennial Celebration

By Andrew Zender

Centennial Celebration highlights the stylistic range which Young mastered effortlessly. [11 October 2009]

Samba Touré: Songhai Blues: Homage to Ali Farka Touré

By Andrew Zender

Having not gained his true recognition until after his passing, Ali Farka Touré's outstanding musical legacy is further cemented through Samba Touré's tribute. [8 October 2009]

The Fay Victor Ensemble: The FreeSong Suite

By Andrew Zender

This record peers into the NYC-based vocalist's challenging and rewarding world of captivating vocal work and stirring spontaneity. [22 September 2009]

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: One Day in Brooklyn

By Andrew Zender

This EP further cements the group's status as one of the most forward-thinking units in jazz. [17 September 2009]

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan: In Session

By Andrew Zender

In Session captures an incredibly important musical moment as two of the most revered blues guitarists lock horns in a friendly battle.

Dancehall by Stuart Baker & Beth Lesser

By Andrew Zender

This photojournalistic work showcases a country full of parties and poverty, music and militants, passion and politics, bosses and bling. [14 July 2009]

Delta Blues by Ted Gioia

By Andrew Zender

Gioia’s journey through the history of the Delta blues is a gripping reading experience as he digs through the vast archives of tall tales and telling truths of the muddy music made in Mississippi. [14 May 2009]

I Want to Take You Higher by Jeff Kaliss

By Andrew Zender

Although the Viscaynes had disbanded by the time their music hit the airwaves, Stone had solidified his decision to continue pursuing a career in the music industry. [11 March 2009]