Pianist Cyrus Chestnut‘s last visit to Berlin was almost 20 years ago. It is hard to believe because here is a musician that is instantly recognizable even though he incorporates many styles and genres in his playing. Or maybe that’s exactly why! From Rag to Bop, from Gospel and Blues and Soul to Classical, whatever…
Alto saxophonist Matt Criscuolo from New York has released a new album which was recorded last September at Carriage House Studios in Stamford, Connecticut. Criscuolo has studied with Dick Oatts and Walt Weiskopf. His sixth album, “Headin’ Out”, includes four original tracks starting with the state-of-the-art Modern Jazz of “Enchanted” where he sometimes reminds me…
Chicago-born soul singer Gina Carey has released 11 albums so far, many of them were highly praised in the Gospel charts and market. Her new record “The Soul Singer” includes several midtempo soul swayers like “Eyes Of A Child” which was the first single and showcases her as an artist that deserves much more attention….
Swedish singer Ida Sand decides to sing the songs of Neil Young for her latest ACT Music album “Young at Heart”. Even though I have come to admire her work and her voice over the years, I have the feeling that she could do much more better than this. Maybe it’s the repertoire? One listen…
While I’m still not finished reading his memoir, “Possibilities”, Herbie Hancock is busy on a successful duo tour with fellow pianist Chick Corea. Herbie celebrates his 75th birthday today and as you know, all of his albums are masterpieces, whatever the genre. From his 60s Blue Note Records with the classic “Watermelon Man” or “Cantaloupe…
Pianist Harold Mabern, the Memphis born master who has worked and played with just about everybody, has come up with a vocal record by using some of his favorite singers like Gregory Porter, Jane Monheit, Norah Jones, Kurt Elling, and Alexis Cole. “Well, I love vocalists. I love to play for singers because that’s really…
Hindi Zarah‘s second album “Homeland” is a celebration of the percussion. She asked Rhani Krija for help with all kinds of percussion instruments and decided to start all of her songs with the rhythm: “When I went to Morocco I started to think about which rhythm I wanted to work on. First decision: I’m gonna…
The fast rise of ultra soulful singer/pianist/composer Jarrod Lawson from Portland, Oregon has come to a new chapter last night at New Morning in Paris, his first visit to France. That’s where he started his 5-week European tour and that’s where he presented his amazing vocal and songwriting skills together with his imaginative piano playing….
Listening to Billie Holiday today and forever. April 7th, 1915 – July 17th, 1959.
More and more Jazz festivals are releasing their schedules for the season and beyond. There is a nice and sympathetic festival in Zurich at the end of October which will stage its 17th edition this year. The jazznojazz festival will take place October 28th to 31st at the Gessnerallee and the ZKB Club at the…