Like a cool breeze off the Atlantic Ocean, Todd Hunter’s digital release, “Postcards from Brazil, Volume 2” offers a refreshing approach to Brazilian jazz. Hunter’s finely-tempered piano and his catchy original compositions display a unique mix of styles, which is both relaxing and instantly accessible. The initial EP of this series was released in 2021, […]
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Jazz History Online’s Concert Journal continues to cover the finest jazz concerts from the Eastern US. Thomas Cunniffe is your guide to the wide variety of jazz performed from Boston to DC.
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Hello everyone, Welcome to the 12th-anniversary issue of Jazz History Online! I am thrilled that this website has survived all of the dramas and obstacles that have appeared in the past dozen years. There are not many jazz websites that have been around as long as JHO, and I have no plans to stop writing […]
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Intimate singing may seem like a lost art, but the three vocalists featured in this review can communicate a wide range of emotions without raising their voices. Thomas Cunniffe reviews new albums by Libby York, Jane Irving, and Mary Foster Conklin.
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While he hasn’t always taken the best care of his voice, at 89, Tony Bennett is still at the top of his game. His remarkable new Jerome Kern tribute disc, The Silver Lining (co-led with pianist Bill Charlap) is a virtual master class of fine interpretation and vocal finesse. In this feature review, Thomas Cunniffe describes the many wonders located on this disc.
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The rich tonal colors and great flexibility of the big band format continues to inspire composers to this day. In this month’s instrumental CD reviews, Thomas Cunniffe examines four bands located all over the world. Indiana’s Buselli/Wallarab Orchestra pays tribute to Gennett Records, Chuck Owen collaborates with the WDR Jazz Band of Cologne, Germany, Bobby Sanabria features three exceptional vocalists, and emerging composers Erica Seguine and Shon Baker present deeply personal originals on their debut CD.
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There is no shortage of live albums by John Coltrane, but a newly-discovered set “Evenings at the Village Gate” reveals a crucial step in the development of the iconic saxophonist’s Great Quartet. With the added presence of Eric Dolphy, the new album offers a unique look at Coltrane’s group in August 1961, just a few months before their historic engagement at the Village Vanguard. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe puts the album in historical perspective.
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Time is an essential element of many types of art, including music, movies, and theatre. Any type of movement in the performing arts takes place against the framework of the clock. Orchestral musicians must play their parts in strict relationship to a pulse set by the conductor, while stage actors have time cues for their […]
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Composer/pianist Eunmi Lee moved to the United States from South Korea shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19. She had completed her Bachelor’s in Jazz Piano from Zuyd University in Maastricht, Holland, and five months after graduation, she joined the Master’s program at NYU. Her self-released debut album, “Introspection”, features seven original compositions scored for ensembles […]
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Details about the latest issue of Jazz History Online, including Book, CD and Video Reviews.
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One of the stated goals of all tribute albums is to enlighten listeners about a classic artist through the prism of a younger artist’s interpretation. In this CD review essay, Thomas Cunniffe examines four new tribute albums with a special focus on repertoire. Included in the survey are Cecilia Smith’s homage to Mary Lou Williams, Craig Davis’ salute to Dodo Marmarosa, Ann Hampton Callaway’s celebration of Peggy Lee, and Janiece Jaffe’s posthumous tribute to Joni Mitchell.
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Female musicians continue to make inroads in the jazz world, and this collection of capsule reviews celebrate five new albums led by prominent jazz women. The supergroup Artemis presents their second album, violinist Sara Caswell offers a long-awaited CD of her music, Champian Fulton shines in a new live recording, Jo Lawry collaborates with Linda May Han Oh and Allison Miller for a daring recital, and Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke celebrate 20 years of music-making with a splendid duet album. Thomas Cunniffe offers his evaluations.
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This issue’s Retro Review spotlights two collections of historic bebop recordings. Savoy’s “The Birth of Bop” was originally issued in 1952 and consists solely of commercial recordings made for Savoy, while Verve’s “Bird in LA” collects rare private recordings which document three of Parker’s visits to the City of Angels. Thomas Cunniffe evaluates each set.
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Saxophonist Dave Liebman and pianist Richie Beirach have created compelling music together for the past 50 years, and their joint memoir “Ruminations and Reflections” collects their stories and opinions from interviews, letters and lectures. Thomas Cunniffe offers his review of the book, which manages to be both enlightening and frustrating in equal degrees.
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