Author name: Thomas Cunniffe

WAYNE SHORTER: “ZERO GRAVITY” (Polygram/Brave World/Plan B/Amazon)

DVD Reviews /

The appearance of an extended documentary on Wayne Shorter on a major streaming service is a cause for celebration. Dorsay Alavi’s film “Zero Gravity” speads over three hours, with a distinctive tone for each of its three “portals”. In his review, Thomas Cunniffe recommends the film as a whole, but notes that the final portal is weaker than its predecessors because it does not offer a suitable discussion of Shorter’s late-period music.

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JOYCE MORENO: AN APPRECIATION

Front Page, Profiles /

Joyce Moreno has been praised by many musicians and critics as one of the finest Brazilian musicians working today; however, very little has been said about the elements that make her a great artist. In this special article, Thomas Cunniffe examines some of the facets of Moreno’s music that have earned her such well-deserved praise. The article includes eight embedded YouTube videos of classic Moreno performances.

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DAVE HOLLAND: “CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS” (ECM 1027)

Retro Reviews /

Recorded in 1972, Dave Hollland’s “Conference of the Birds” featured six outstanding Holland originals–some left unrecorded by the maverick quartet Circle–played by three Circle alumni (Holland, Barry Altschul, and Anthony Braxton) and a new collaborator, Sam Rivers. In this special Retro Review, Dave Holland provides an elegant history of the album’s creation, and Thomas Cunniffe offers a track-by-track analysis of the album. The article also includes a link to a rare live YouTube video of the quartet live in France, and discussion of a unique vocal recording of the title tune.

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DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: JAZZ & THE UNDERWORLD (by T.J. English)

Book Reviews /

Early in the book “Dangerous Rhythms: Jazz and the Underworld”  (Morrow), author T.J. English states :The history of organized crime, much like the history of jazz, is part fact and part mythology.” English includes several tall tales in his text, and Thomas Cunniffe questions the veracity of the mob and music myths in this book review.

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TODD HUNTER: “POSTCARDS FROM BRAZIL” (Volume 2) (self-released)

Uncategorized /

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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CONCERT JOURNAL: SUMMER 2023

Concert Reviews /

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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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR 07-23

From the Editor /

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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TURN UP THE QUIET

CD Reviews /

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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Tony Bennett/Bill Charlap: “The Silver Lining” (RPM/Columbia 14574)

Best of JHO, CD Reviews /

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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CONCEPTS, FOR BIG BAND

CD Reviews /

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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JOHN COLTRANE/ERIC DOLPHY: “EVENINGS AT THE VILLAGE GATE” (Impulse 37784)

Retro Reviews /

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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RHYTHM MAN (by Stephanie Stein Crease)

Book Reviews /

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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EUNMI LEE: “INTROSPECTION” CD REVIEW

Uncategorized /

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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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR 05-23

From the Editor /

Details about the latest issue of Jazz History Online, including Book, CD and Video Reviews.

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR 05-23 Read More »

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