It is no secret that Dutch live music clubs and concert halls have far more interesting acts to offer than any German or neighboring venues. Sometimes it is a logistical thing of course or other tour-related issues why a lot of artists are coming to the Netherlands only or maybe to the Netherlands and/or the…
There are a lot of things to like on bassist and composer Ben Wolfe‘s new album “Unjust”, out tomorrow. The freshness of putting together a dozen original tunes. A cast which showcases a brilliant way of interplay and resilience. There is no “look at all the things I can do” attitude among the players. You…
I almost forgot to mention that Alan Hampton, one of my favorite composers and singers, has released a new track. “Passerine” came out in late December and it is another gem of a pop song. Except for Alan, who has worked with Robert Glasper, Sufjan Stevens, Gretchen Parlato, Meshell Ndegeocello, and many more, they just…
His new album is called “Gasms” (make your guess) and will be released on April 28th. It will feature 9 songs written and produced by himself. It’s his first album of all new material since “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun” in 2009. In 2014, he recorded a duets album of some of his former…
Singer Libby York‘s fifth album, and first after her 2014 release “Memoir”, is an intimate and intensive affair, with just guitar and bass (and drums on four tracks) spread over 12 songs. And it suits her really well since her poignant and lithe vibrato shines throughout the set, starting with an elegant and gently swinging…
He sang and co-wrote Motown’s first hit in 1960: “Money (That’s What I Want)” went to Number 2 on the Pop Charts. He later wrote unforgettable tunes for Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”. “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”. “I Wish It Would Rain”. Written…
Canadian-American saxophonist and composer Ben Wendel releases “All One” on April 21st on the UK-based Edition Records label. The album features a guest musician on each track, like José James, Elena Pinderhughes, Tigran Hamasyan, Bill Frisell, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Terence Blanchard. Of the six tunes on the album, three are written by Ben, one…
This year’s North Sea Jazz Festival, scheduled for the weekend of July 7th-9th, has announced the first round of artists coming over to Rotterdam. Among the acts of the first day, July 7th, are the Kenny Barron Quartet, Bill Frisell FOUR with Gerald Clayton, Jonathan Blake and Greg Tardy, Terri Lyne Carrington with her New…
Cécile McLorin Salvant wil release her next Nonsesuch Records album “Mélusine” on March 24th. It’s a mixture of five original songs and nine pieces sung in French, Occitan, English, and Haitian Kreyòl. Some of the songs date back to the 12th century. “Mélusine” tells the story of a woman who turns into a half-snake each…
Happy Birthday to The Songstress. Late last year, her tour dates were announced. She will be joined on tour by Babyface. Earlier this year, she released a short clip on Twitter with a snippet of new music, supposed to come out later this year. The last time I saw her was in 2019 at North…