New Releases Check: Marcus, Carol, and Julia

New Releases Check: Marcus, Carol, and Julia

ByMatthias Kirsch

Saxophonist Marcus Strickland has come with a brilliant set on Revive/Blue Note called “Nihil Novi”, produced by Meshell Ndegeocello. The album features a few tracks with the wonderful Jean Baylor and also has trumpet maestro Keyon Herrold on tap. The album runs from smooth grooves to warm interludes, free-fall playing to some exceptionally well-executed vocal…

Celebrating Rio and New York with Copa Village

Celebrating Rio and New York with Copa Village

ByMatthias Kirsch

Copacabana and Greenwich Village are supposed to be feted in this 11-song collection of Brazilian music called “Copa Village” by singer Carol Saboya, harmonica player and vibraphonist Hendrik Meurkens, and pianist Antonio Adolfo. They even manage to come up with an interesting arrangement on the too worn-out “The Girl From Ipanema/Garota de Ipanema” with a…