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Pablo Aslan: “Piazzolla in Brooklyn” (Soundbrush 1023)
Astor Piazzolla’s one attempt to fuse the rhythms of tango and jazz resulted in one of his least successful albums. Now, Pablo Aslan has gone back to that recording and created a contemporary fusion of the two styles. Thomas Cunniffe reviews the new album, Piazzolla in Brooklyn.
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Primarily Instrumental
This month’s CD review section focuses on instrumentalists, both veterans and newcomers. Thomas Cunniffe gives his impressions of the latest releases by Ed Cherry, Caroline Davis, Joe Gilman and Toots Thielemans.
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The Process and the Product
Boulder pianist Art Lande refers to jazz as a process not a product, meaning that exploration continues on the bandstand long after recording the final accepted take on a CD. Lande plays a central role in the latest albums by vocalists Tina Phillips and Bonnie Lowdermilk. Thomas Cunniffe examines how each singer realizes Lande’s theory.
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Redefining Standards
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.
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Reminiscing in Tempo
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.
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Leading from the Rhythm Section
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.
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Ted Rosenthal and Kenny Werner: Pianists with Standards
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.
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Ryan Truesdell: “Centennial: Newly Discovered Works of Gil Evans” (ArtistShare 114)
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.
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Sammy Figueroa: “Urban Nature” (Senator 1001)
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.
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Saxophone Unity and Diversity
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.