Jazz is an adventure, and that spirit highlights the music of Sara Gazarek, Carol Saboya, Nicky Schrire, Sara Serpa and Judi Silvano. Thomas Cunniffe and Amy Duncan review the latest albums by these talented vocalists.
Women in Jazz: The Vocalists Read More »
The spirit of adventure is omnipresent in the latest albums by vocalists Clare Wheeler, Kaylé Brecher, Sara Serpa, Jay Clayton and Andrea Wolper. Thomas Cunniffe explores the fascinating and unpredictable music of these five talented musicians in this month’s feature CD review.
Vocalists at the Edge Read More »
This month’s vocal jazz reviews include an intimate solo recording by Andy Bey, a tribute to veteran composer Harry Warren by Jay Clayton and a vocal showcase for trombonist Pete McGuinness. Thomas Cunniffe offers capsule reviews of these three fine recordings.
Vocal Jazz Roundup 4 Read More »
Every month, Jazz History Online receives several new vocal jazz releases. Here are capsule reviews of a half-dozen CDs, contributed by principal writer Thomas Cunniffe and our newest staff member, Stacy Riley.
Vocal Jazz Roundup 2 Read More »
This month’s vocal jazz reviews cover a wide range of styles and material. Thomas Cunniffe reviews an elegant collection of standards by Tine Bruhn, an adventurous debut from Molly Holm, a suite of music from Black Orpheus featuring Gretchen Parlato and Leny Andrade, and a humorous tribute to hipsters by Ben Sidran.
Vocal Jazz Roundup 3 Read More »
While many singers are very comfortable singing in front of an orchestra or big band, there’s something special about working with a small group.The five CDs reviewed this month feature vocalists performing in intimate duos, trios and quartets. Thomas Cunniffe discusses these albums by Karrin Allyson, Laurie Antonioli, Sinne Eeg, Elisabeth Lohninger and the New West Guitar Group (featuring Gretchen Parlato, Sara Gazarek, Peter Eldridge, Becca Stevens and Tierney Sutton)
Thomas Cunniffe reviews a cross-section of new vocal jazz albums, including Cheryl Bentyne’s Gershwin Songbook, Sachal Vasandani’s Hi-Fly, Katchie Cartwright’s Tales and Tongues and Brigitte Zarie’s Make Room For Me.
Vocal Jazz Roundup Read More »
The title of this review is not a reflection on the musical quality of the latest albums by Patricia Barber, Mostly Other People Do The Killing and Wayne Shorter; rather, it speaks of the uncompromising attitude that all of these artists share. Thomas Cunniffe offers his reactions in this feature review.
Many current jazz albums are either collaborations or tributes, but the four vocal CDs reviewed this month fall into both categories. Judy Niemack and Dan Tepfer’s duet disc, Listening to You salutes Lee Konitz, while a bevy of top-name singers take part in The Passion of Charlie Parker. The New York band Swingadelic offers a sampler of Johnny Mercer songs, and Mark Winkler remembers his late husband on The Company I Keep. Thomas Cunniffe offers his thoughts on these recordings.
Tributes and Collaborations Read More »
In a recording career that spanned 22 years, Tubby Hayes played on nearly 400 different sessions, including broadcast, film and studio appearances. The only job more Herculean than playing all of those sessions is cataloging them. Thomas Cunniffe reviews 100% Proof: The Complete Tubby Hayes Discography, compiled by two of Hayes’ most ardent researchers, Simon Spillett and C. Tom Davis.
100% Proof: The Complete Tubby Hayes Discography (by Simon Spillett & C. Tom Davis) Read More »
The second half of Louis Armstrong’s career may be the most misunderstood in all of jazz history. In his new book, What A Wonderful World, author Ricky Riccardi attempts to correct the record. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the book.
What A Wonderful World (by Ricky Riccardi) Read More »
Most jazz history books discuss how social and technological advances affected the music, but Marc Myers’ book, Why Jazz Happened turns that formula on its head, and offers an insightful look into the music business in the process. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the volume in this month’s Book Review.
Why Jazz Happened (by Marc Myers) Read More »
The June 9, 1945 Town Hall concert produced by Timme Rosenkrantz was ostensibly a celebration of small group swing, featuring Red Norvo, Gene Krupa, Bill Coleman, Teddy Wilson, Don Byas and Stuff Smith. However, there were elements of the newly emerging bebop style for anyone who was listening. Thomas Cunniffe discusses the music and tells of the concert’s fascinating back story in this month’s Sidetracks.
Timme Rosenkrantz and the Town Hall Concert (June 9, 1945) Read More »
While Wes Montgomery was not well-known in the jazz world before 1960, he had been a semi-professional musician in his home town of Indianapolis since 1944. Following on their acclaimed album Echoes of Indiana Avenue, Resonance Records has issued a new collection called In the Beginning which traces Montgomery’s playing back to 1949. Thomas Cunniffe offers his thoughts on the set in this Retro Review.
Wes Montgomery: “In the Beginning” (Resonance 2014) Read More »