Monday, May 2 2011
Matthew Shipp: Art of the Improviser
Matthew Shipp gave his 50th birthday a few victory laps last year, and this double album is the outcome.
Friday, April 29 2011
Graham Reynolds & the Golden Arm Trio: Duke! Three Portraits of Ellington
Jazzical misfit Graham Reynolds exhumes the Duke. It's awesome.
Moon Hotel Lounge Project: Into the Ojalá
This is easy-listening jazz suited for the dentist’s chair, the office elevator, the telephone while on hold, or a nice romantic evening featuring candlelight and a good home cooked meal with your significant other.
Monday, April 25 2011
Abbey Lincoln and Archie Shepp: Painted Lady
Abbey Lincoln and Archie Shepp made Painted Lady together in 1987. Or maybe it was 1980. This is a 2008 import released in 2011. Confused yet?
Friday, April 22 2011
Fred Hersch: Alone at the Vanguard
Fred Hersch has been described as a poet of the piano. This live recording shows why.
Wednesday, April 20 2011
Preservation Hall Jazz Band & The Del McCoury Band: American Legacies
American Legacies pairs New Orleans jazz with traditional bluegrass for the sound of the saints marching in to Kentucky. You'll want to be in that number.
Tuesday, April 19 2011
Billy Bang: Goodbye and Rest in Peace
The more I think about the recently-deceased Billy Bang, the more I'm convinced his life is the kind of story someone should write a novel about. Except someone already did: Billy Bang did, and his novel was his life, and his life's story is articulated in his music. And his music lives on.
Tuesday, April 12 2011
Lee Shaw: Together Again - Live at the Egg and Live at Art Gallery Reutlingen
Jazz pianist Lee Shaw releases two live albums, one an innovative summit with a famous protégé. The other sounds like she and her band are ready to nod off.
