Thomas Cunniffe, Author at Jazz History Online

Wes Montgomery in Paris (Resonance 2032)

Resonance Records’ latest Wes Montgomery issue will not be new to seasoned fans. The guitarist’s 1965 Paris concert has been available as a bootleg for many years. However, Resonance’s edition offers the concert in its entirety, mastered from the original ORTF master tapes. It is also the first legitimate release of this material. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the recording, which also features Harold Mabern, Arthur Harper, Jimmy Lovelace and Johnny Griffin.

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Vocal Diversity

CD Reviews / Thomas Cunniffe

The five vocalists featured in this month’s CD reviews offer something for everyone. Alyssa Allgood impresses with her sophomore disc, Exactly Like You, Mark Winkler and Cheryl Bentyne celebrate 1959 in Greenwich Village on ‘Eastern Standard Time, Bob Dorough offers quirky takes on well-known songs on But for Now and Judy Niemack collaborates with Jim McNeely and the DR Big Band for a multi-faceted salute to New York. Thomas Cunniffe provides the details.

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The Summation 2015

Sidetracks / Thomas Cunniffe

As 2015 comes to a close, Jazz History Online recognizes the best new and reissued CDs, DVDs and books that have appeared in our pages over the past 12 months. We also pay tribute to the great musicians and historians who left us in 2015.

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The Summation 2014

Sidetracks / Thomas Cunniffe

Jazz History Online marks the new year with a summation of the year just passed. Thomas Cunniffe’s Sidetracks essay discusses the highlights of concerts, books, DVDs, films, and CDs of 2014, and bids farewell to many great musicians who left our world in the past 12 months.

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The Summation 2016

Sidetracks / Thomas Cunniffe

As 2016 comes to a close, Jazz History Online recognizes the best new and reissued CDs, concerts and books that have appeared in our pages over the past 12 months. We also pay tribute to the great musicians and historians who left us in 2016.

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Tales From Prague 2

Uncategorized / Thomas Cunniffe

In the latest installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins recalls his experiences at the Choral Festival in Lomnice.

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Tales From Prague 3

Uncategorized / Thomas Cunniffe

In the latest installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins tells about the various jazz clubs in the city. One hosted a jam session with a sitting US President (guess which one). Several cater to the local jazz fans while others attract international tourists. Includes several photos of the venues.

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Too Good to Leave Behind

CD Reviews / Thomas Cunniffe

Every month, the JHO mailbox is stuffed with more CDs that we can possibly review. In what has become as much of a holiday tradition, here are capsule reviews of worthy vocal and instrumental discs that we couldn’t bear to leave on the shelf. Featured artists include Jackie Allen, Randy Brecker, Sara Caswell, Sinne Eeg, Mark Guiliana, Sarah Jerrom, Lauren Kinhan, Dave Liebman, Chuck Owen, Roswell Rudd, Martial Solal, and Fay Victor.

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Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin: “Road Time” (RCA Victor 22242)

Retro Reviews / Thomas Cunniffe

One of the finest ensembles of the 1970s was the Los Angeles big band co-led by Toshiko Akiyoshi and Lew Tabackin. Their double LP, Road Time documented their 1976 tour of Japan, and netted the group a Grammy nomination. Amy Duncan examines this out-of-print classic in this month’s Retro Review.

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Tales From Prague 1

Uncategorized / Thomas Cunniffe

In the first installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins tells of his first experiences playing in Europe, the summer jazz workshop in North Bohemia where he teaches, and his quintet, comprised of American and Czech musicians.

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Tales From Prague 4

Uncategorized / Thomas Cunniffe

In this month’s Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins hits the road and recalls his experiences playing outside of Prague. Skip also tells of the new friends he has made, both on and off the bandstand.

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Tierney Sutton Band: “American Road” (BFM Jazz 302062408)

CD Reviews / Thomas Cunniffe

Now in their 18th year as a cooperative unit, the Tierney Sutton Band has released a new CD, American Road, which captures the breadth of American music, from folk songs to opera. Ellen Johnson reviews this album, which has been nominated for two Grammy awards. .

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Tommy Flanagan’s Composer Tributes

Historical Essays / Thomas Cunniffe

Between 1975 and 1993, pianist Tommy Flanagan recorded six tribute albums featuring, in turn, the music of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn, Bud Powell, Harold Arlen, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Thad Jones. Thomas Cunniffe explores these albums in this month’s Historical Essay.

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

Best of JHO, CD Reviews / Thomas Cunniffe

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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Author name: Thomas Cunniffe