Boulder pianist Art Lande refers to jazz as a process not a product, meaning that exploration continues on the bandstand long after recording the final accepted take on a CD. Lande plays a central role in the latest albums by vocalists Tina Phillips and Bonnie Lowdermilk. Thomas Cunniffe examines how each singer realizes Lande’s theory.
The Process and the Product Read More »
In 1950, Ella Fitzgerald had the good sense to partner with pianist Ellis Larkins for the LP Ella Sings Gershwin. That classic album and its followup Songs in a Mellow Mood were reissued on CD several years ago on a disc appropriately titled Pure Ella. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe details why these recordings are among Fitzgerald’s greatest.
Ella Fitzgerald & Ellis Larkins: “Pure Ella” (Decca/GRP CD 636) Read More »
In September 1956, 23-year old Quncy Jones assembled a truly all-star band for his first LP as a leader, This Is How I Feel About Jazz. In ensembles ranging from nine to fifteen pieces, Jones provided brilliant showcases for Art Farmer, Jimmy Cleveland, Phil Woods, Lucky Thompson, Milt Jackson, Billy Taylor and Charles Mingus. Thomas Cunniffe reviews this landmark recording in this month’s Retro Review.
Quincy Jones: “This Is How I Feel About Jazz” (ABC-Paramount 149) Read More »
When Red Garland left the Miles Davis Sextet in 1958, his career continued on with recordings for Prestige and a busy schedule of sideman appearances. But in 1962, Garland moved to Dallas to care for his ailing mother, and he didn’t return to active playing for nearly a decade. Elemental’s new 2-CD set. Swingin’ on the Korner finds Garland in exceptional form, leading a trio with Leroy Vinnegar and Philly Joe Jones in live sets recorded in 1977 at San Francisco’s Keystone Korner.
Red Garland: “Swingin’ on the Korner” (Elemental 5990426) Read More »
Albums of standards are usually rather predictable affairs, but within the span of a week, three new vocal albums offer dramatically re-imagined versions of classic repertoire. Thomas Cunniffe reviews these new albums by Elizabeth Shepherd, Diana Krall and Kurt Elling.
Redefining Standards Read More »
Memory links the three instrumental albums reviewed this month. Geri Allen, Fred Hersch (with Julian Lage) and Joe Lovano (with Gil Goldstein and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra) all perform compositions written or inspired by their idols, mentors and collaborators. Thomas Cunniffe reviews these three fine CDs.
Reminiscing in Tempo Read More »
Invent a new recording technology and someone will claim that the old technology was better. The CD vs. LP discussion has gone on for the past several years, but Sony Music is going one step further, claiming that Miles Davis’ first 9 Columbia albums were designed to be heard in mono. Thomas Cunniffe speculates on Sony’s reasoning in this month’s Sidetracks.
In earlier eras, jazz bassists and drummers had few opportunities to lead their own groups. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and in this month’s instrumental CD reviews, Thomas Cunniffe listens to three new albums by Mark Dresser, Tom Kennedy and Jack Mouse which offer a wide range of musical approaches and styles.
Leading from the Rhythm Section Read More »
In Denver for a four-night stand with the local sextet Convergence, vocalist Roberta Gambarini’s set at Dazzle displayed the wide range of her talents. Thomas Cunniffe caught the last set of the opening night and offers this concert review.
Roberta Gambarini & Convergence at Dazzle Jazz, Denver (January 5, 2012) Read More »
Rosemary Clooney was never truly a jazz vocalist, but she maintained a close association with jazz musicians in the last 25 years of her life. It made her a better singer, and her career experienced an artistic renaissance like few others. Thomas Cunniffe reviews Late Life Jazz, a new biography that, despite its title, discusses Clooney’s entire life and career.
Late Life Jazz (by Ken Crossland & Malcolm MacFarlane) Read More »
In addition to their prowess as jazz pianists, Ted Rosenthal and Kenny Werner are both skilled vocal accompanists. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the latest instrumental albums by both men, each of which offers unique approaches to standard repertoire.
Ted Rosenthal and Kenny Werner: Pianists with Standards Read More »
Released to coincide with Gil Evans’ 100th birthday, Ryan Truesdell’s new album Centennial features ten previously unrecorded works by the iconic composer/arranger. Chris Coulter reviews both the album and a recent concert performance at the Jazz Standard in New York.
Ryan Truesdell: “Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans” (ArtistShare 114) Read More »
When the Saints Go Marchin’ In is one of the oldest standards in the jazz repertory, and its origins are shrouded in mystery. In this month’s Sidetracks column, Thomas Cunniffe notes a startling resemblance between the Saints and a crucial part of the Catholic Requiem Mass.
Those Marching Saints Read More »
After years of being a respected first-call sideman, percussionist Sammy Figueroa has become a leader. His new CD, Urban Nature features compositions by pianist Silvano Monasterios and bassist Gabriel Vivas. Janine Santana reviews the disc.
Sammy Figueroa: “Urban Nature” (Senator 1001) Read More »