Monday, June 14 2010
Talking About Jazz (Again) and Appreciating Wayne Shorter
Wayne Shorter is the authentic item that aficionados savor, but whom virtually anyone with unpolluted ears can immediately appreciate.
Stanton Moore: Groove Alchemy
New Orleans jazz drummer Stanton Moore is ready to take you to school.
Thursday, May 20 2010
The Souljazz Orchestra: Rising Sun
Showing an equal fidelity to the ongoing project of Afrobeat and to the creation of contemporary grooves, the Souljazz Orchestra can confidently take their place alongside other globally dispersed proponents of Afro-modern music.
Monday, April 5 2010
Omar Sosa & NDR Bigband: Ceremony
Once again, Omar Sosa has produced a distinct take on world jazz while renewing his own exploratory project, all within the carefully orchestrated confines of ritual space and time-honored practice.
Thursday, February 18 2010
Akira Sakata & Chikamorachie: Friendly Pants
For all of its strength, poise, and extroversion, Friendly Pants does little to create any particular sensation, and instead operates more as a skill showcase for the musicians involved.
Friday, February 12 2010
Always Know; Monk Always
Conspicuously absent from PM’s list of the best nonfiction for 2009 is Robin D. G. Kelly’s comprehensive biography of the high priest of bop, Thelonious Sphere Monk.
Monday, January 25 2010
Maiysha: 23.Jan.10 - New York
Maiysha takes The Blue Note stage to record live follow-up to her Grammy-nominated debut.
Tuesday, November 17 2009
Mulatu Astatke: New York, Addis, London; The Story of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975
Astatke has a great capacity for intelligent play, the James Joyce kind of innovation that isn't afraid to be slangy and entertaining at the same time that it chases a serious purpose.
Wednesday, November 11 2009
Carla Bley: Carla’s Christmas Carols
These beautifully arranged pieces place this among the really enjoyable and surprising Christmas albums.
