BACK TO WORK!
The COVID-19 virus shut down live concerts within a few days. The re-emergence of concerts is a slow process, but Thomas Cunniffe reports that musicians can get back to work if they are willing to create their own opportunities.
JAZZ IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 (September 2020)
In a continuing series, Jazz History Online devotes its CD Review section to discs issued during the pandemic. Thomas Cunniffe reviews 8 discs this time, including “Artemis”, Dena DeRose’s “Ode to the Road”, Dave Douglas’ “Dizzy Atmosphere”, Sarah Elgeti’s “Dawn Comes Quietly”, Brian Landrus’ “For Now”, Allegra Levy’s “Lose My Number”, Maria Schneider’s “Data Lords” & Kenny Washington’s “What’s the Hurry”.
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ELLA FITZGERALD: “JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS”/ COUNT BASIE: “THROUGH HIS OWN EYES” (Eagle Rock video)
Two new jazz documentaries re-examine the lives and music of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. In this Video Review, Thomas Cunniffe discusses the strengths and weaknesses of both films.
“PLAY THE WAY YOU FEEL” (by Kevin Whitehead)/“STARS OF JAZZ” (by James A. Harrod)
Seen any good jazz films lately? This month’s book review features two new volumes on jazz’s sometimes uneasy alliance with the screen. Thomas Cunniffe examines Kevin Whitehead’s “Play the Way You Feel” and James A. Harrod’s “Stars of Jazz”.
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NOTES FROM THE EDITOR 05-20
Hello everyone— We have entered a strange time over the last few months. Who could have expected that a virus would so affect our lives and our livelihoods? As we try to pull ourselves out of quarantine and back into our daily routines, let us not forget the lessons of COVID-19 by appreciating all of
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JAZZ IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 (May 2020)
The COVID-19 has shut down the world’s economy in short order. For many jazz artists, recorded music is their only source of income. The albums reviewed here are all current releases; most of them were released during the period of nationwide lockdown. These reviews by Thomas Cunniffe will be a continuing feature on Jazz History Online as long as the crisis continues. The current set was adapted from what was to be a standard collection of vocal and piano reviews; the reviews in future issues will encompass all types of instrumental and vocal jazz. JHO has always encouraged its readers to support the musicians by purchasing their CDs. The message could not be more urgent now. If you can afford to help, please do.
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THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Since the early 1900s, French classical composers and jazz musicians have influenced and inspired one another. Two new recordings examine this unique cross-relationship. “Impressions of Debussy” offers straight performances of Debussy’s Preludes by pianist Lori Sims, followed by jazz interpretations by soprano saxophonist Andrew Rathbun and pianist Jeremy Siskind. “The Melodic Line”, the sophomore release by Reverso–co-led by trombonist Ryan Keberle and pianist Frank Woeste–presents new works inspired by the composers of the French collective Les Six. Thomas Cunniffe reviews both albums in this special CD Review.
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LENNIE TRISTANO & LEE KONITZ: DUETS (but not with each other)
Lennie Tristano and Lee Konitz were constantly grouped together because of their decades-long association: first as teacher and pupil, then as leader and sideman. It may seem surprising that they never made a duet recording together, but soon after their last gig together, both men started an album of duets…with other musicians. In this Retro Review, Thomas Cunniffe discusses the classic “Lee Konitz Duets” and the new Tristano release “Duo Sessions”.
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“DAVE BRUBECK: A LIFE IN TIME” (by Philip Clark)
2020 marks the 100th anniversary of Dave Brubeck’s birth. British journalist Philip Clark has written a new biography–written in a non-linear style–which corrects old misconceptions and adds new perspectives to the life and work of this American jazz icon. Thomas Cunniffe offers his reactions in this month’s Book Review.
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Paul Desmond and the Canadians
In the last decade of his life, Paul Desmond only performed occasionally. But when he hired three exceptional Canadian musicians, (Ed Bickert, Don Thompson and Jerry Fuller) to back him for a club date, the music inspired Desmond to some of his finest performances. After years of legal entanglements, Mosaic Records has issued a 7-CD box which includes over 5 hours of unissued recordings by this outstanding ensemble. In this newly revised Historical Essay, Thomas Cunniffe explores the musical legacy of Desmond’s Canadian Quartet.
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Notes from the Editor 02-20
Hello everyone, Hope you’re having a lovely winter. Here in Denver, we’ve received twice as much snow as normal and the mountains have had epic storms. Those who go up to the mountains to ski have raved about the fresh powder–and complained about the traffic to and from! One of our new CD Review columns
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NEW RECORDINGS FROM VAIL JAZZ PARTY SOLOISTS
Every time Thomas Cunniffe returns home from the Vail Jazz Party, his luggage includes several new CDs featuring the festival artists. This year, it took a little while to gather CDs because some sold out quickly at the party, and other discs will still awaiting release. Here are capsule reviews of newly released albums featuring these superb musicians, many of whom are scheduled to return to Vail this summer.
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HIS VOICE
The four male vocalists featured in this month’s Vocal CD Reviews have spiced up their new discs with unusual repertoire and unique arrangements. Thomas Cunniffe discusses the newly released music by John Allee, Benny Benack III, Paul Jost and Jay Leonhart.
HER VOICE
With an increased presence in today’s jazz scene, more and more female musicians are asserting themselves with projects focusing on personal heroes, historical milestones and contemporary politics. In this CD review, Thomas Cunniffe explores powerful albums by Nancy Harms, Karrin Allyson and Virginia Schenck.