A change in repertoire can offer new insights into a musician’s artistry, and introduce them to a new set of fans. This month, Thomas Cunniffe examines new albums by vocalists Jacqui Dankworth, Stacey Kent and Tierney Sutton, and discusses how each singer triumphs with the new material.
The three instrumental CDs reviewed this month by Thomas Cunniffe feature small groups with unusual instrumentation. The Innovations Trio uses trumpet, piano and cello in fresh combinations; Jonathan Moritz’ trio of sax, bass and drums rethinks each instrument’s role; and the duo of Frank Kimbrough and Scott Robinson spice up their album of improvisations with a wide range of instruments.
Blossom Dearie’s style was so subtle that it was hard to describe and even harder to imitate. On her new album Digging Me, Digging You, Amy Cervini captures that elusive style. Thomas Cunniffe offers his thoughts on Dearie and Cervini in this CD review.
Amy Cervini: “Digging Me, Digging You” (Anzic 34) Read More »
In a continuing effort to relieve the overflowing pile of discs for review, Thomas Cunniffe offers reviews of a tribute to David Baker by the Bloomington (IN) Busulli-Walarab Jazz Orchestra, a brilliant piano trio album led by Frank Kimbrough and an exquisite duet recording by vocalist Kendra Shank and pianist Geoff Keezer.
There is quite a difference between Ann Hampton Callaway’s cool, intimate studio recordings and her extroverted live performances. While no record company has yet recorded and released a disc of Callaway’s live jazz shows, two recent releases give a glimpse of Callaway’s live persona. Thomas Cunniffe reviews both albums.
Ann Hampton Callaway LIVE! Read More »
Under the right conditions, jazz–like many other art forms–can take on a spiritual quality that can affect both the creators and audience. Charles Lloyd has communicated that spirit in performances spanning half a decade. A new film co-directed by Lloyd’s wife, Dorothy Darr, examines Lloyd’s career primarily through the effect he has had on fellow musicians and audiences. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the DVD edition, which includes notes from the filmmakers and a full Lloyd/ECM discography.
Charles Lloyd: “Arrows into Infinity” (ECM) Read More »
Southern California may be the land of abundant sunshine and insufficient rain, but it is also the home of one of the most vibrant jazz scenes in the US. This month, Thomas Cunniffe reviews new albums by Denise Donatelli, Mark Christian Miller, Carol Welsman, and Mark Winkler which offer superb musicianship (by both the singers and the instrumentalists) and intriguing programs which include unusual song choices alongside the standards and originals.
This month’s new CDs include a solo set by Dena DeRose, a live quintet recording by Lewis Nash, an exploration of jazz and Brazilian music by Monday Michiru, an album of originals by the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet, a wide-open collection by the Hot Club of Detroit and a tribute to Duke Ellington and his saxophonists by an all-star band led by Mark Masters of the American Jazz Institute. Thomas Cunniffe and Amy Duncan provide the details.
It might seem unlikely that a 77-year-old legend of bop trombone and a 53-year-old instrumental music teacher would create a lasting collaboration, but Curtis Fuller and Keith Oxman have done just that. Thomas Cunniffe reviews their latest performance at Denver’s Dazzle night club.
Curtis Fuller & Keith Oxman at Dazzle, Denver (April 13, 2012) Read More »
Our vocal CD reviews showcase three remarkable young singers who have mastered the jazz language and could either carry old traditions into the next generation or blaze innovative trails. Thomas Cunniffe discusses impressive new releases by Cyrile Aimée, Gregory Porter and Nicky Schrire.
Bright Vocal Talents Read More »
In the midst of a New York Voices tour of the Western US, Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan came to Denver’s Dazzle to perform what Eldridge called a drive-by gig. With the assistance of several outstanding local musicians, they offered a sampling of their original and genre-blurring music. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the performance.
Peter Eldridge & Lauren Kinhan at Dazzle, Denver (February 9, 2012) Read More »
Recorded live at Cecil’s in West Orange, New Jersey, Big Fun(k) Live is the latest album by saxophonist Don Braden and Karl Latham. Ellen Johnson provides an enthusiastic review, hearing the group’s roots in the music of Weather Report, Miles Davis and Grover Washington, Jr.
Don Braden/Karl Latham: “Big Fun(k) Live” (Creative Perspective 3001) Read More »
In a brilliant program of progressive and re-imagined classic jazz pieces, clarinetist Anat Cohen and her trumpeter brother Avishai brought a taste of the burgeoning Brooklyn jazz scene to Denver’s Wolf Theater. Thomas Cunniffe was there and provides this review of the concert and the latest CDs from this talented family.
Anat and Avishai Cohen at the Wolf Theatre, Denver (October 27, 2012) Read More »
Barbra Streisand is not a jazz singer, but her friend Ann Hampton Callaway certainly is, and Callaway’s jazz sensibilities enlivened her Streisand tribute with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Thomas Cunniffe was in the audience and offers this concert review.
Ann Hampton Callaway & the Colorado Symphony, Denver (January 19, 2013) Read More »