Despite a wealth of historical material on the internet, there are many otherwise well-educated people who are unaware of great musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. In this Sidetracks commentary, Thomas Cunniffe urges jazz fans to introduce newcomers to the music before our legacy vanishes.
Attracting the Lost Generations Read More »
In one of the finest books ever written on the subject, Thomas Brothers’ Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism examines Armstrong’s pioneering work from 1922-1931. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the volume, noting Brothers’ free use of the race card, but praising his method of humanizing Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong: Master of Modernism (by Thomas Brothers) Read More »
In what would be his penultimate public appearance, Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars played a 30-minute concert at the National Press Club on January 29, 1971. The performance, and a tribute concert from the following year have been reissued by Smithsonian-Folkways. Thomas Cunniffe reports that the music may not be profound, but the Creole recipes included as liner notes will allow you to create a culinary tribute to Armstrong.
Louis Armstrong: “Red Beans & Ricely Yours” (Smithsonian-Folkways 60005) Read More »
Hot on the heels of her Grammy nominations for The Book of Chet and Duets III, Luciana Souza sang a three-day engagement at New York’s Jazz Standard. Accompanied by one of her favorite guitarists, Romero Lubambo, she performed classics from the Brazilian and American songbooks. Nicky Schrire attended one of the performances and offers this concert review.
Luciana Souza at the Jazz Standard, New York City (February 13, 2013) Read More »
Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza has been off the scene for the past 3 years, but she’s returning to public performance in a big way, with the simultaneous release of two very different albums, The Book of Chet and Duets III. Thomas Cunniffe reviews both CDs and notes how each illuminates Ms. Souza’s unique talents.
The Return of Luciana Souza Read More »
While pianist Lynne Arriale’s newest disc is her first solo album, she brought her trio with her for a two-night engagement at Dazzle nightclub in Denver. The sets included energetic trio pieces and intimate solo works. In this combined CD/concert review, Thomas Cunniffe notes that Arriale’s wide range of styles can both challenge the intellect and touch the heart.
Lynne Arriale: In Concert and On Disc Read More »
In their 30-year history, the Manhattan Transfer has recorded several fine albums. However, few were as pivotal as Extensions, the 1979 LP which introduced Cheryl Bentyne as a new member of the group, and solidified the group’s commitment to jazz and vocalese. Thomas Cunniffe takes a fresh look at the album in this Retro Review.
Manhattan Transfer: “Extensions” (Atlantic 19258) Read More »
At an energetic concert at Denver’s Oriental Theatre, the Manhattan Transfer proved that they are still a vital force in vocal music. The group’s founding member, Tim Hauser, was unable to travel due to illness, but Thomas Cunniffe reports that Hauser’s place was ably filled by m-pact’s bass, Trist Curless.
Manhattan Transfer at the Oriental Theatre, Denver (October 27, 2013) Read More »
Winter Morning Walks is the first album in five years from composer Maria Schneider. It is not a jazz album, but a pair of orchestral song cycles featuring soprano Dawn Upshaw. As it represents a change of pace for both us and the artist, it seems appropriate to present Thomas Cunniffe’s review of the album as this month’s edition of Sidetracks.
Maria Schneider/Dawn Upshaw: “Winter Morning Walks” (ArtistShare 121) Read More »
Culminating a four-day visit to the Boulder campus, composer/arranger Maria Schneider led the CU Jazz Ensemble I in a superb concert of her music. Thomas Cunniffe reports that the band and guest soloists John Gunther and Brad Goode played Schneider’s music with precision and spirit.
Maria Schneider and the CU Jazz Ensemble I (November 18, 2011) Read More »
Colorado jazz fans were offered a rare treat with two performances by composer/bandleader Maria Schneider in just under two weeks. In addition to a four-day workshop with student musicians from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Schneider brought her entire New York-based orchestra to the Lakewood Cultural Center for a sold-out concert. Thomas Cunniffe was at both concerts and in his review, he notes how the combined repertoire of the concerts offered a unique overview of Schneider’s evolution as a composer.
Two Colorado Concerts with Maria Schneider Read More »
Through her numerous live performances and her award-winning radio series, Piano Jazz, Marian McPartland has steadily built a reputation of one of jazz’s great masters. Yet she is not one to trumpet her own accomplishments. Finally, a filmmaker has done it for her (with the help of several other great musicians). Thomas Cunniffe reviews the DVD.
Marian McPartland: In Good Time (Films by Huey) Read More »
On May 13, 2017, Denver jazz fans had the choice to hear several top-rank artists in live performances across the city. JHO’s Thomas Cunniffe joined about 1000 audience members at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for a concert by the Branford Marsalis Quartet with guest Kurt Elling. Cunniffe reports that the entire group was in top form, excelling their performances on their recent CD, Upward Spiral.
Branford Marsalis & Kurt Elling (DU Newman Center; May 13, 2017) Read More »
One of Mary Lou Williams’ proudest claims was that she played through all the major jazz eras. In the final years of her life, she codified the styles so thoroughly that any piece she played could have elements of stride, swing, boogie, bop and free. Thomas Cunniffe reviews her stunning solo performance at the 1978 Montreux Jazz Festival in this Retro Review.