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Conrad Herwig and Marshall Gilkes: No Tailgating Here!
The modern art of the trombone is illustrated in two new releases by veteran Conrad Herwig (Tip of the Sword) and newcomer Marshall Gilkes (Sound Stories). Chris Coulter examines both discs in this CD review.
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In Memoriam
The two vocal CDs reviewed this month memorialize a great musician (and his wife), and an honored son. Karla Harris celebrates the rarely-heard vocal music of Dave & Iola Brubeck, while Chris McNulty offers a heartfelt memorial to her late son, Sam. Thomas Cunniffe gives his reactions to these fine albums.
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Inspirations
While each of the leaders of this month’s instrumental CDs is an accomplished composer/arranger, most of the music presented on their discs are from the pens of other composers. Saxophonist Michael Cox remembers his friend and colleague Mark Flugge on Compassion, Eddie Daniels salutes Egberto Gismondi on Heart of Brazil, Ryan Keberle and Frank Woeste…
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International Flair
This month’s vocal CD reviews take us to Spain, Hungary, Switzerland and Brazil via four superb vocalists who may be not be well-known to American audiences. Thomas Cunniffe introduces you to the music of Carmen Cuesta, Paulinho Garcia, Beat Kaestli and Rozina Pátkai.
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Jacqui Dankworth: “It Happens Quietly” (Specific 14)
The spirit of the late John Dankworth is present throughout It Happens Quietly, the latest CD from his daughter, Jacqui Dankworth. John arranged most of the music on the album, and soloed on one track. In his review, Thomas Cunniffe notes that this import CD is a stunning memorial from daughter to father.
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James Morrison: “Snappy Too!” (Morrison Records 20)
Snappy Too has everything you’d expect from a modern big band album: great arrangements, thrilling ensemble parts and great soloists. In fact, all it’s missing is 15 other people, for this remarkable CD features Jeff Hamilton on drums, and James Morrison on all the other instruments. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the disc.
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Jane Ira Bloom: “Sixteen Sunsets” (Outline 141)
Just over 20 years ago, a quote from astronaut Joseph Allen about traveling through outer space and seeing 16 sunrises and sunsets per day inspired Jane Ira Bloom to write a brilliant piece for improvisers and antiphonal wind ensemble. Today that same quote has inspired a more reflective album from Bloom, an all-ballads CD which…
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The Jazz Art Song
The art song has been a staple of European and American classical music for two centuries. It’s possible that jazz has found its equivalent in two new albums led by Renee Rosnes and Helen Sung. On each album, the pianist/composers have collaborated with a living, jazz-influenced poet to create song cycles with potent messages and…
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Karrin Allyson: “Round Midnight” (Concord Jazz 32662)
Round Midnight is the latest concept album from vocalist/pianist Karrin Allyson. This collection of intimate ballads features a great variety of songs, but nothing compared to Allyson’s live repertoire. A CD and concert review by Thomas Cunniffe.
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Late Night Vocals
This month’s vocal releases seem tailored for late-night listening. Cyrille Aimée’s Let’s Get Lost tells the story of a relationship through songs in English, Spanish and French, Stacey Kent’s Tenderly is an intimate recital of standards featuring Roberto Menescal, and Jenny Maybee’s collaboration with trumpeter Nick Phillips, Haiku is an intriguing and moody collection of…