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Jane Monheit at the University of Denver (October 18, 2011)
After enduring a decade of misguided criticism, Jane Monheit is now an established performer on the jazz scene. Thomas Cunniffe reviews a performance at the University of Denver that displayed Monheit as a worthy curator of the Great American Songbook.
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Jazz History Online Goes East (May 17-25, 2016)
In a reversal of Horace Greeley’s advice, Thomas Cunniffe went east this spring to examine the possibilities of relocation, meet several friends and hear a lot of live music. In this special Concert Review, Cunniffe reports on the eight sets of music he heard in just one week.
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Katie Thiroux Trio at Nocturne, Denver (October 3, 2017)
When an artist goes on the road to promote a new album, the sounds which come from the bandstand may be significantly different than what was captured in the studio. In the case of bassist/vocalist Katie Thiroux, those differences came from a change in the personnel of her touring group. Thomas Cunniffe reviews Thiroux’s live…
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Kurt Elling at the Soiled Dove, Denver (December 12, 2018)
In what is fast becoming a holiday tradition, Kurt Elling performed a spectacular concert at Denver’s Soiled Dove. This year, he sang two separate sets, one of Holiday music (from his album The Beautiful Day) and the other featuring protest music (from The Questions and the new digital EP, The Questions–LIVE). Thomas Cunniffe reviews both…
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Lauren Kinhan & The Art of Interpretation (Soiled Dove, Denver; February 5. 2014)
In support of her newest album, Circle in a Square, vocalist Lauren Kinhan returned to Denver’s Soiled Dove for a performance which exhibited the depth of her musical world. Thomas Cunniffe, who considers Kinhan’s album her best to date, offers his views on both the CD and the concert.
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Ryan Keberle and Catharsis (Syntax Physic Opera; February 3, 2017)
Like John McNeil’s acclaimed quartet Hush Point, Ryan Keberle’s quintet Catharsis combines the aesthetics of cool jazz with the energy of contemporary music. With the intriguing front line of Keberle (trombone), Michael Rodriguez (trumpet) and Camila Meza (vocal and guitar), the group embraces the concepts of improvised counterpoint and simultaneous improvisation. Thomas Cunniffe reports on…
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Northern Colorado Voices & Swingle Singers; Greeley, CO (April 24, 2014)
For the opening night concert of the Greeley (Colorado) Jazz Festival presented the Swingle Singers and the Northern Colorado Voices. In his concert review, Thomas Cunniffe reports that the student group represented the finest of current vocal jazz trends, while the Swingles pointed the way to the future with their jaw-dropping performance.
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Jim Hall Quartet at Dazzle Jazz, Denver (October 20, 2011)
In a rare Denver appearance, jazz guitar legend Jim Hall and his quartet performed subtle entrancing music for a sold-out crowd. In his review, Thomas Cunniffe reports that Hall’s improvised lines are as stunning as ever, and his group listens and responds like few others.
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John Scofield Trio at the King Center, Denver (April 6, 2012)
At the closing concert of the University of Colorado-Denver’s Guitar Fest, John Scofield and his trio offered a wide variety of styles in their single 80-minute set. Thomas Cunniffe was there, and he offers this concert review.
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Kenny Washington/Michael O’Neill at 57th St Gallery, Oakland (June 16, 2012)
A longtime favorite of Bay Area audiences, vocalist Kenny Washington recently appeared with Michael O’Neill’s Quintet at Oakland’s 57th Street Gallery. Stacy Riley took a break from her San Francisco holiday for the performance, and submitted this concert review.