The International Jazz Day was launched in 2012. Back then, about 70 countries worldwide participated in daylong celebrations of this music and to spread awareness. This year, nearly all 196 U.N. member states are taking part on April 30th with special events planned on that day. Jazz Day again is presented by the Thelonious Monk…
The Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan is heavily influenced by the folk traditions and culture of his country. That is again evident on his latest album, called “Mockroot”, his sixth so far. But there is also a heavy rock influence here as well, particularly on the first four tracks. And then there is the common thread…
Synthesizer, human beatbox, and Fender Rhodes. These are part of the new sound of pianist Jacky Terrasson on his new album “Take This”. “I don’t want to repeat myself…I wanted to do something completely different”, says Terrasson in the liner notes. And so he opens the 11-song set with a joyous, uptempo “Kiff” including the…
A collection of nine standards is the latest album by guitarist Bobby Broom. But this is not your typical standard fare – there is a Frederick Loewe song that hasn’t been recorded very often (“The Heather On The Hill”) and all of the tracks come to life by the shining arrangements for his trio which…
Steve Tyrell, the singer with that raspy voice and a little country twang, got his start in the record business early when he had the chance to work at the famous Scepter label. Soon enough, he produced songs for Chuck Jackson or Maxine Brown and promoted the records for Dionne Warwick. It was the time…
His career spanned over seven decades, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, and he entered hospice care about a week ago. His wife Gwen wrote on his Facebook page: “He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family, students and friends.” Two of my favorite Clark Terry albums are very different affairs and…
As an avid reader of album credits, I came across the name of trumpeter Duane Eubanks (brother of guitarist Kevin and trombonist Robin) on one of the final albums for the great Phyllis Hyman, “Forever With You” from 1998, where he was featured on the title track and on “The Strength Of A Woman”. A…
The Echo Jazz 2015 ceremony is scheduled for May 28th in Hamburg, a day before the popular Elbjazz Festival starts. Among the nominees are: Michael Wollny Trio (Ensemble of the year, national), Vincent Peirani & Émile Parisien (Ensemble of the year, international), Johanna Borchert (vocalist, national), Somi (vocalist, international), Julia Kadel (Piano/Keys, national), Stefano Bollani…
The 31st season of the 92Y Jazz in July Festival will run from July 21st to July 30th in the 92nd Street Y. The nonprofit cultural and community center on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan offers a wide range of cultural events the year round and has about 300.000 visitors each year. Artistic director, pianist Bill…
For almost two hours, the 65 year old Lionel Richie entertained the almost sold-out O2 World in Berlin last night with all of his hits. At one point, he divided the audience into three groups: those who have been with him since his days with The Commodores, those who came on board when he went…