Technocats, Technocats: The Music of Gregg Hill Review Technocats: The Music of Gregg Hill by Technocats, a jazz group with strong ties to Michigan State University’s jazz studies program. Detroit and its neighboring regions, including East Lansing, have long been fertile grounds for jazz talent. This album by Technocats, a group of Michigan State University-connected musicians, … Read more
Ambrose Akinmusire, Owl Song Review Ambrose Akinmusire’s latest offering, Owl Song, released via Nonesuch Records, marks a significant chapter in modern jazz. The album shows Akinmusire’s evolution as a trumpeter and composer, unfolding an intimate narrative through a trio formation, including guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Herlin Riley. This unique assembly breathes life into Akinmusire’s … Read more
Vin Venezia, The Venetian Review Vin Venezia, a brilliant jazz guitar talent, showcases his mastery and versatility in his latest album, The Venetian. Released on September 8, 2023, by Innervision Records, this collection, consisting predominantly of standards, displays Venezia’s deep understanding of jazz’s rich tradition and his ability to imbue it with a contemporary flair. Opening … Read more
Sarah McKenzie, Without You Review Without You is a vibrant collection of Brazilian jazz, lovingly compiled by the talented jazz pianist, composer, and singer Sarah McKenzie. This album marks her sixth studio venture and is a heartfelt homage to Brazilian music, particularly the works of Antonio Carlos Jobim. McKenzie’s profound connection to Brazilian music and culture … Read more
Metropolitan Jazz Octet, The Bowie Project Review Metropolitan Jazz Octet and Paul Marinaro: The Bowie Project Reinvigorates the Starman’s Legacy With a stroke of genius, the Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO) and Paul Marinaro embark on a journey through David Bowie’s illustrious canon, infusing it with jazz structures and tones in their album, The Bowie Project. … Read more
John Scofield, Uncle John’s Band Review John Scofield’s Uncle John’s Band: The Genre-Blending Journey Through Jazz’s Past and Future John Scofield’s Uncle John’s Band is an ambitious jazz project released under the ECM Records label. Comprising fourteen tracks of both Scofield originals and well-crafted arrangements, the virtuosic trio of Scofield on guitar, Vicente Archer on acoustic bass, … Read more
Deborah Silver, Shake It Off Review Deborah Silver’s jazzy rendition of “Shake It Off” captures the essence of a classic, contrasting beautifully with Taylor Swift’s original pop anthem. From the onset, a rich baritone horn—a rare choice for an opener—sets a distinctive tonal palette. Charles “The Hit Man” Calello’s arrangement elevates the track, filling it … Read more
Joshua Redman, Where Are We Review Where Are We: Joshua Redman’s Jazz View of Modern America It is the theme of our times to blur lines, and in the world of jazz’s increasingly blurry outlines, few musicians exemplify this stylistic fluidity as successfully as saxophonist Joshua Redman. With his newest offering, Where Are We, Redman embarks … Read more
The Black Gold Orchestra, Genesis Review A Genesis of Jazz’s Future: The Black Gold Orchestra The jazz albums of today have to hit the scene with a genre-blending sound that is increasingly popular. The Black Gold Orchestra’s debut album, “Genesis,” released on September 8, 2023, bursts onto the platform as a sprawling mosaic of Black … Read more
Tingvall Trio, BIRDS Review BIRDS by Tingvall Trio—A Melodic Flight Through An Exquisite Soundscape In the realm of jazz, few phenomena manifest the genre’s ability to blend virtuosity, accessibility, and profound emotional communication as effectively as the Tingvall Trio. The ensemble’s latest album, BIRDS, serves as an exquisite culmination of 20 years of ceaseless artistic … Read more