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 »
In 1979, Sarah Vaughan was a newlywed. Her husband was trumpeter Waymon Reed, a competent but hardly original soloist. Vaughan insisted on featuring Reed on her recordings, including her 2-LP Duke Ellington Songbook. Concord has now reissued the set on CD with a previously unissued session conducted by Benny Carter. In his review of the CD, Thomas Cunniffe speculates that Reed may have been the catalyst for some of Vaughan’s greatest late-career performances.
When Sarah Vaughan first heard Clifford Brown in 1951, she wanted to make a record with him, even though he was unknown and had not recorded. Three years later, with Brown established as a rising trumpet star, the collaboration became a reality. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe discusses that album, rightly acknowledged as a jazz classic.
Sarah Vaughan featuring Clifford Brown (LP: EmArcy 36004; CD: EmArcy 814 641) Read More »
Satchmo at Symphony Hall has long been considered one of Louis Armstrong’s greatest concert recordings. In commemoration of the 65th anniversary of this recording, Universal Music has released the concert complete for the first time. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the new version in this Retro Review.
Louis Armstrong: “Satchmo at Symphony Hall” (Decca 16891) Read More »
Saxophonists can be a combative lot, but it’s not always necessary for them to battle to the death. This month’s instrumental CD reviews spotlight two new albums which each feature three saxophonists. However, as Thomas Cunniffe notes, the leaders David Berkman and Jerry Granelli take very different approaches in contrasting and uniting their fine saxophonists.
Saxophone Unity and Diversity Read More »