Reviews

Rob Thorsen – Lasting Impression (Pacific Coast Jazz 2009)

  Rob Thorsen is a well-studied bassist. He has not only depth of knowledge of rhythm and harmonics, but also has flawless technique expression and a wonderful intonation. On Lasting Impression, a rather prophetically entitled record, he displays all of his skills in glorious fashion. There is also a sense that Thorsen wants to... [Read more]

Tiempo Libre – Bach in Havana (Sony Classical 2009)

  The title of this record – Bach in Havana – should not come as a surprise, after all there is a yet-to-be-fully-discovered European Baroque and Classical music tradition that bubbles and boils in conservatories just barely under the skin of Cuban life, nestling cheek-by jowl with Santeria worship. This culture is very real... [Read more]

Lori Bell – The Music of Djavan (Resonance Records 2008)

  Despite whatever misgivings the producers may have had with regard to this project, namely that that jazz project was centered on the music of Djavan, appears to be misguided. Perhaps Djavan, among the pantheon of Brasilian musicians is least “Jazzy” and more “pop” – a thesis that is somehow incomprehensible and even... [Read more]

Gabriel Alegria – Nuevo Mundo (Saponegro Records 2008)

  Every once in awhile there comes a musician who, when playing his or her chosen instrument, seems to carry within a vital life-force that is irrepressible, no matter what the circumstances of his or her playing. At the height of his powers, Charles Mingus was one such musician. Whether he was playing hot or cool, beautiful or... [Read more]

Eva Scow + Dusty Brough – Sharon of the Sea (Adventure Music)

  There is something in the music of Eva Scow that is so unique that the only two other musicians who come to mind when she is playing are Joni Mitchell and perhaps Bela Fleck. And here is why: As a composer and arranger, she hears music in the same playful, unvarnished and guileless manner that Joni Mitchell does. Yet like Mitchell,... [Read more]

Geoffrey Keezer – Aurea (ArtistShare 2008)

  Geoffrey Keezer is a pianist of immense technical ability. As a musician and composer he is able to express himself in different idioms and settings. On Aurea, for instance, he makes a remarkable foray into the realm of Afro-Peruvian music. And he emerges from this colorful expedition with such a high degree of excellence that... [Read more]

Venissa Santi – Bienvenida (Sunny Side Records 2008)

  The high art of this record, Bienvenida is no accident. This is because its principal performer is the miracle behind it all. Venissa Santi is one of those supremely talented new vocalists who blazes, comet-like, across the musical horizon, but once in a lifetime. She joins the likes of Billie Holiday, Abbey Lincoln, Sheila... [Read more]

Scott Oakley – Cancion Para Mi Amor (Invisible Music 2008)

  How many times has this happened before? A jazz musician – and a very good one, at that – becomes seduced by the music of Cuba (and Latin America). Musicians from Bird and Dizzy to Archie Shepp were… This magnificent obsession continues unabated and is in flood today. A few, such as Toots Thielemans, Hendrick Meurkens,... [Read more]

The Latin Giants of Jazz – Ven Baila Conmigo (Gigante Records 2009)

  It is a daunting task to play in the idioms of jazz, salsa and mambo in a big band setting without the spirit of El Rey, Tito Puente in attendance. But timbalero and musical director, Jose Madera acquits himself with distinction on “Ven Baila Conmigo,” this record that explodes with that special energy that Puente... [Read more]

Grupo Falso Baiano – Viajando Choro e Jazz (Independent 2008)

  Of the many non-Brasilian ensembles in the United States besotted with “choro,” the music of Brasil and, not simply drawn to it, but actually performing it, Grupo Falso Baiano may very possibly be the finest. The quartet of Jesse Appelman (mandolin), Zack Pitt-Smith (woodwinds), Brian Moran (guitars and cavaquinho)... [Read more]