Vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Grace finally had won me over while singing “I can see it in your eyes” from “The Thrill Is Gone”, the famous Ray Henderson/Lew Brown classic which has become a standard. Her heartfelt, very subtle and vulnerable performance, backed only by pianist Larry Goldings, is one of the highlights of her…
Saxophonist Jimmy Greene opens his new Mack Avenue album “While Looking Up” with the Cole Porter classic “So In Love”. And once again, from the very start of the disc, his lyricism and intense and emotional playing becomes the main force, like on his previous projects. Aided by guitarist Lage Lund and pianist Aaron Goldberg,…
Saxophonist Mike Phillips has come up with the perfect combination of soul, jazz, and contemporary groove. With the help of several guest artists, his new album “Pulling Off The Covers” soothes the soul and simply brings a lot of joy to these ears. Singer Brian McKnight shines on a funky and smooth cover of Slave’s…
We’ve already reported on the deaths of Manu Dibango, Sandy Anderson, and Wallace Roney, all due of complications from the corona virus. But the list goes on: Ellis Marsalis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Mike Longo, Vaughan Mason, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Hal Willner. May they all rest in peace. We have moved out to our garden house last…
Hello like beforeI’d never come hereIf I’d known that you were hereI must admit thoughThat’s it’s nice to see you, dearYou look like you’ve been doing well Hello like beforeI hope we’ve grown‘Cause we were only children thenFor laughs I guess we both can say‘I knew You when’But then again, that’s kiss and tell Hello…
When Anita Baker released “Rapture” in 1986, she started a whole new genre of so-called Quiet Storm soul music. I like to compare Lindsey Webster‘s career to Miss Baker’s because ever since her debut album came out in 2013, it seems that she too has come up with a new sound, style and sophistication. Yes,…
Ever wondered at that miraculous bass on Odyssey’s “Inside Out” from 1982? Sandy Anderson, member of the New York based post disco group Unlimited Touch, succumbed to the Corona virus. Unlimited Touch, formed by Raymond Reid and William Anderson of Crown Heights Affair, recorded only two LPs: “Unlimited Touch” in 1980 and “Yes, We’re Ready”…
It has become both pretty popular and very needed: Live-streaming events of artists performing in their living rooms, in a studio or elsewhere so that people can still enjoy something like a mini-concert. “Live From Our Living Rooms” is an online music festival and fundraiser with all proceeds being provided for emergency relief to New…
The best record to dance to and do your work out while staying at home is the second compilation of Swiss DJ Alex Attias‘ club series from his Lausanne stint, called LillyGood Party! The twelve tracks feature Peven Everett, Louie Vega, David Murray, Glenn Underground, Yam Who?, and Daymé Arocena, among many others and offer…
Dire times indeed. Jazzahead in Bremen, due April 23rd to 26th, has been postponed to April 29th to May 2nd, 2021. The wonderful XJazz Festival in Berlin, May 6th to 10th, has been cancelled. The 21st Capetown International Jazz Festival, which was scheduled to run this upcoming weekend and usually draws over 40.000 attendees, will…