Wayne Escoffery, The Humble Warrior Review Wayne Escoffery is a New York city-based tenor saxophonist and composer. He is A Grammy Award winner and DownBeat Critics Poll winner. Although Escoffery is only thirty-two-years old, he has already enjoyed a stand-out career and ample accolades. He has performed with a who’s who of jazz, including Herbie … Read more
Avishai Cohen, Big Vicious Review Avishai Cohen is an Israeli-born composer and trumpet player that is known for his adventurous and forward-thinking approach to the jazz genre. His music combines the best of avant-garde jazz, post-bop, and klezmer to form a swirling tapestry of musical sounds. Cohen leads his projects as well as several other … Read more
Janko Rašeta and Leander Widmoser, Elf Review Janko Rašeta and Leander Widmoser are teaming up to bring us a fresh sound in the jazz fusion department. The two are releasing their second collaboration titled “Elf.” The Munich-based musicians Janko Rašeta (guitars, production) and Leander Widmoser (drums) are building something that combines their heritage with the … Read more
Jerry Bergonzi, Nearly Blue Review Jerry Bergonzi is a Boston Massachusetts saxophonist, educator, author, and composer that forms a perfect bridge between jazz’s past and its present. Bergonzi is known for his interpretations of jazz standards and his original compositions that have unusual harmonic progressions. With a vast body of recorded work, Bergonzi has recently … Read more
Mad Love, Ish Review Mad Love, it might just be the reaction you feel after listening to their album titled ISH. Led by vocalist and keyboard player Kathleen Hollingsworth, the trio is aptly supported by Brent Follis, drums; Dave Captien, bass; Wil Blades, organ, on “Easy Rider,” Dominic Castillo, guitar on “Hey There, Rider” and Ross … Read more
Dr. Rubberfunk, My Life At 45 Review Dr. Rubberfunk, My Life At 45 Review Bringing to life the sounds of serious funk is Dr. Rubberfunk (Simon Ward). Ward created the guise in 1992 when he was DJing, the name stuck, and the music has been flowing ever since. Dr. Rubberfunk released his debut 12″ in … Read more
Michal Martyniuk, Resonate Review We had the pleasure of previously reviewing Michal Martyniuk’s album Nothing to Prove in 2018. It was apparent then this Polish pianist was a cut above in the jazz idiom. Now in 2020, Martyniuk has released his latest endeavor Resonate. An aptly titled full-length album that certainly does a beautiful job showcasing his composition … Read more
Bob Baldwin, Henna Review Bob Baldwin is not a new name, but certainly, one that deserves wider recognition for the insurmountable influence he has had on the smooth-jazz genre. His resume includes many citations of achievement for a career that began in 1983 that brought forth his debut album, A Long Way to Go, released in … Read more
Lois Bruno, And So It Begins Review Vocalist Lois Bruno might be a newer name on the national scene, but certainly, her mystic and acumen are not overlooked when reading her biography of experience. Early in her career, she caught the ear of DJ superstar, Casey Kasem, who introduced her to Herb Alpert and Jerry … Read more
Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra, Puertos: Music from International Waters Review Pianist and composer Emilio Solla’s resume reads like a non-stop freight train to a destination of greatness. Hailing originally from Argentina, his music is infused with his homeland, but also his new home of New York. Since in New York, he has composed and … Read more