“It’s not supposed to be a special place or city, it’s more like a search to find your home, anywhere”. For someone touring the world over, that’s something that you can easily relate to. Born in Israel and based in New York, guitarist Gilad Hekselman is currently on tour in Europe to support his latest…
Both pianist Sebastian Sternal and flugelhornist Frederik Köster belong to the acclaimed and accomplished German jazz musicians who have received several awards in the past. They’ve been playing together in various groups since about 10 years. For their latest duo album, they went to Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. And so, their compositions seem to reflect…
The new seasonal album by Barbara Dennerlein, the Hammond B3 organist from Germany, is as colorful and playful as the wonderful cover suggests. Produced by Italian mastermind Nicola Conte (who can also be heard on guitar on two tracks), and released through the re-established MPS label, the thirteen songs on “Christmas Soul” are your common…
When Jazz Institute Berlin director Peter Weniger and journalist Wolf Kampmann spreaded word that they want to organize a concert for the Flüchtlingsrat Berlin e.V., which supports a vast number of refugees coming to the city, the reaction of the Berlin musicians was overwhelming. And so, the concert which is called “We Insist! Solidarität mit…
Melbourne-based, Morocco-born guitarist Albare is currently on a European tour in support of his new album “Only Human”. From the Pat Metheny-like opener “Nightly News” to the smooth groove of the title track, here’s a pretty versatile musician combining his superb skills with imaginative compositions. Albare, whose real name is Albert Dadon, wants his new…
Singer Stacey Kent continues to explore the Great American Songbook on her latest album “Tenderly” and adding some fine guitar touches by Brazilian legend Roberto Menescal to the mix. (She had worked with him on her “The Changing Lights” album.) Her subdued approach and tender, soft and sweet style seems to be perfect for classics…
What would the world sound like without the compositions of the great Billy Strayhorn? Celebrating his centennial, New York’s public transport organization, the MTA, will run a special A train for this occasion, in remembrance to one of his most powerful and long-lasting songs, “Take The A Train”. The train’s passengers will get a free…
The festival for contemorary, creative jazz will present 22 bands between April 22nd and May 7th of next year. Jazzfest founder Peter Materna, himself an accomplished saxophonist, started to put Bonn on the jazz festival map back in 2010. Once again next year, various locations throughout the city will host international and national artists. Among…
Towards the end of “Never Find A Better Love”, the second track on South African singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler‘s new record “Free”, something like the sound of Philadelphia’s golden years shines through on the dance-with-strings groover. Complete with Rhodes played by co-writer and producer Luther “Mano” Hanes. I wish there would be more moments…
Pianist Cedar Walton was one of many pure jazz artists who were dismissed by fans and critics alike for turning disco or pop in the mid- to late 70s. For me as a teenager growing up in the late 70s with Radio Luxemburg, BFBS, and AFN, it was the perfect entry into a vast musical…