Keyboardist, pianist, composer, and singer Taber Gable, who has played and toured with Marcus Strickland, Nubya Garcia, Terrace Martin, Carolyn Leonhart, among many others, who has studied with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Barron, and who is a much sought after musician on the New York scene, has finally released his debut album. I usually try…
I’m currently reading Ben Sidran‘s fascinating, behind-the-scenes biography of one of the most pivotal producers of the past decades, Tommy LiPuma. He has produced almost everybody from Miles Davis to George Benson, Barbra Streisand to the Manhattan Transfer, Rickie Lee Jones to Michael Franks. And he also produced Diana Krall who reflects: “Tommy was my…
One of the highlights of last year’s North Sea Jazz Festival, which will not take place this year due to the corona crisis, was a duo concert by two brilliant improvisers: Edmar Castaneda (harp) and Grégoire Maret (harmonica). What they both delivered on stage in terms of musicianship, teamwork, improvisation, and the creation of a…
Nina Simone‘s “Fodder On My Wings” was recorded in 1982 for the French Carrere label and has now been released on hi-res audio on LP and CD on Verve. The album was re-released in 1988 on the French Cy label and included three additional tracks, also included here. Nina had already moved to Paris and…
Vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Grace finally had won me over while singing “I can see it in your eyes” from “The Thrill Is Gone”, the famous Ray Henderson/Lew Brown classic which has become a standard. Her heartfelt, very subtle and vulnerable performance, backed only by pianist Larry Goldings, is one of the highlights of her…
Saxophonist Jimmy Greene opens his new Mack Avenue album “While Looking Up” with the Cole Porter classic “So In Love”. And once again, from the very start of the disc, his lyricism and intense and emotional playing becomes the main force, like on his previous projects. Aided by guitarist Lage Lund and pianist Aaron Goldberg,…
Saxophonist Mike Phillips has come up with the perfect combination of soul, jazz, and contemporary groove. With the help of several guest artists, his new album “Pulling Off The Covers” soothes the soul and simply brings a lot of joy to these ears. Singer Brian McKnight shines on a funky and smooth cover of Slave’s…
When Anita Baker released “Rapture” in 1986, she started a whole new genre of so-called Quiet Storm soul music. I like to compare Lindsey Webster‘s career to Miss Baker’s because ever since her debut album came out in 2013, it seems that she too has come up with a new sound, style and sophistication. Yes,…
The best record to dance to and do your work out while staying at home is the second compilation of Swiss DJ Alex Attias‘ club series from his Lausanne stint, called LillyGood Party! The twelve tracks feature Peven Everett, Louie Vega, David Murray, Glenn Underground, Yam Who?, and Daymé Arocena, among many others and offer…
Vocalist and pianist Kandace Springs has recorded twelve songs of her idols for her third project “The Women Who Raised Me” on Blue Note Records. The swinging “Devil May Care”, inspired by Diana Krall’s version, features some very lively and astute bass playing by Christian McBride and subtle drum work by Clarence Penn. Kandace shows…