Hughes Smith Quintet : Motion
by Elberton Cisnero Hughes Smith Quintet is a Detroit based ensemble that has that hard-bop Detroit sound deep within their bones. The leaders Jimmy Smith…
Jazz
The Lao Tizer Band: Songs From The Swinghouse
by Bea Willis The Lao Tizer Band is a group that has focused on making its own sound. They have taken the time to grow…
Gabe Evens: The Wrong Waltz
by Elberton Cisnero An Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano, Composition and Arranging at the University of Louisville, Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies Program, Gabe Evens is…
Toni Jannotta: My Little Heart, Ruthie
by Bea Willis Normally we don’t review books, but this was not just a book or children’s story. It struck me more as a music…
Renee Rosnes: Beloved of the Sky
by Tom Faddis Pianist and composer Renee Rosnes takes inspiration from painter Emily Carr on her new album, Beloved of the Sky. The album with…
Joe Mongelli: Washashore
by Bea Willis Massachusetts based trumpet/flugelhorn player Joe Mongelli leads a great group through a set of ten well-known standards with hip arrangements entitled, WashAshore….
Brian Hudson: Next Level
by Tom Faddis Is Fusion dead? Well apparently not, as it lives and breathes quite well in the loins of Brian Hudson. Maybe a rocker…
Larry Ham/Woody Witt: Presence
by Tom Faddis Jazz is a conversation, a relationship between musicians that conveys some of their deepest expression of self-awareness. Music is a powerful vehicle…
Dave Bennett : Blood Moon
by Bea Willis Clarinetist Dave Bennett has released his sophomore CD on Mack Avenue entitled Blood Moon. A “blood moon” is a natural phenomenon when…
Alex Weitz: Luma
by Bea Willis Alex Weitz is a saxophonist and composer who cut his teeth at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. This impressive…