Liz Childs Quartet Take Flight 2012

Street Date 02/01/12

Female vocalists working in the jazz genre are a dime a dozen. Liz Childs immediately grabbed my attention and gave me a reason to be excited. Now a former editor would tell me that "stylistic guidelines" dictate they we allow the listener to draw their emotional or artistic conclusions as to the success or failure of a particular work. Fair enough. Taste is subjective. Tone deaf lasts forever.

Liz Childs possesses that rare breed of vocal artistry and swing that can leave you wondering, where have you been all my life? Flawless and soulful phrasing and the ability to turn on a note that hits ground zero on a musical sweet spot that is surrounded my a first call band. On this second release, Childs steps away from her place at the piano to lead a stellar ensemble as they run through some standards, ballads, blues and even putting her tremendous jazz sensibilities on a pair of tunes by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.

"It Could Happen To You" has Childs making old school new cool with a swinging arrangement by guitarist Ed MacEachen. "Lover" is where Childs shines exceptionally well with her scatting ability that should have other vocalists paying close attention. Normally a singer with a release full of standards is essentially playing it safe but not on Take Flight. From the technically proficient "Lover" to the artistically challenging "Hallelujah" we find Childs more than willing to put her own signature on a tune and take risks that would find a lesser singer working the lounge at the local Holiday Inn Express. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a slightly blues infused number that showcases her impeccable phrasing and keen sense of lyrical progression. Bassist Dan Fabricatore and drummer Anthony Pinciotti round out a solid and swinging rhythm section and work as the musical glue to bind this impressive release together. Not to simply rest on the works of other artists, Childs and Ed MacEachen contribute the self penned title track "Take Flight" which is a perfect fit in this collection of eclectic yet incredibly accessible tunes that most of us know by heart.

Liz Childs can swing with the best of them! Childs put her artistry on full display with literal perfection. An impressive vocal master class that simply leaves you longing for more.

5 stars!

Tracks: It Could Happen To You; Dindi; Lover; Baby All The Time; Just One Of Those Things; Hallelujah; Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise; You Don't Know What Love Is; Meditation; Bad Luck Card; Bluesette; Estate; Take Flight; I'll Be Your Baby Tonight; Baby, Don't Quit Now; Famous Blue Raincoat; You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To.

Personnel: Liz Childs: vocals; Ed MacEachen: guitar; Dan Fabricatore; Anthony Pinciotti: drums.

http://www.lizchilds.com/

TriOzean Nocturne Neuklang 2012

Street Date 01/27/12

For a great many people jazz and especially a piano trio from Europe sounds "different" and the reasons can normally vary from country of origin and their specific cultural identity and how this transfers to the more familiar western improvised form and function of what we traditionally have come to expect in the United States.

Not bad. "Different."

Different is good,  especially when it comes to TriOzean!  Jazz detente. East meets west with a fusion of jazz, classic, rock and world music elements into a unique yet incredibly powerful voice given the traditional language of the jazz piano trio. A personal release of sorts with tunes that draw inspiration from life experiences, touring and the enjoyment of creating. Perhaps the myriad of personal influences accounts for the deep rich colors with which this eclectic ensemble paints their sonic canvas.

"Tango Incognito" opens the release with as much style and flair as one would expect any tune containing the word tango! The translation here is an incredible cultural nuance yet oddly quirky. The virtuoso playing of pianist Olga Nowikowa is punctuated by the formidable rhythm section of Lars Fodisch on double bass and Krishan Zeigner on drums. "Zentrifuge" is controlled sonic fury at its peak. The ensemble displays a keen sense of melody and lyrical progression all while pushing an improvisational envelope close to the edge of the table without the envelope ever going over the edge. "Nocturne en Chocolat" is where classical and new age merge with tremendous jazz sensibilities for a stunning harmonic progression. The ebb and flow with "Nocturne en Chocolat" is simply indicative of what is ahead including brilliant saxophone work from Michal Skulski. The addition of Skulski adds additional depth and character to a release that easily establishes its firm sonic foundation about 30 second into the first tune.

Fancy colors. Three independent voice working as one harmonious train of musical thought. Deep, rich and evocative, "Nocturne" is a prime example of the wondrous possibilities when labels, genres and preconceived ideas are cast aside in favor of but one thing -

Music.

Tracks: Tango Incognito; Zentrifuge; Nocturne en Chocolat; Home; Der Kleine Muck; Theresa's Dance; Birdlike; Vasteras; Message.

Personnel: Olga Nowikowa: piano; Lars Fodisch: double bass; Krishan Zeigner: drums.

Guest: Michal Skulski: saxophone

http://www.triozean.de/

http://www.neuklangrecords.de/

A taste of TriOzean from a 2009 performance via You Tube.

Hans Glawischnig Jahira Sunnyside 2012

Street Date Jan. 31 2012.

A little rough around the edges. Raw. Somewhat eclectic but a release that is as intriguing as any as Jahira is a unique blend of perhaps more modern post bop with a smokey free jazz finish to go down a little smoother than expected.

The second release on the always reliable Sunnyside label finds Glawischnig and his acoustic bass guitar debuting a new trio to take the listener on a developmental world tour of jazz history by infusing a multitude of styles, concepts not to mention their slightly impressionistic execution. Having been a first call bassist on the vibrant New York scene for well over a decade and performing with luminaries such as Paquito D' Rivera, Miguel Zenon and the late Ray Baretto it was touring with Baretto's New World Spirit ensemble that brought Glawischnig to the acoustic bass guitar. Despite the limitations in sound as compared to the double bass, Glawischnig shows exactly what happens when artistic ability triumphs over what could potentially be a musical trip wire of technology. Rounding out this ensemble we have up and comers Samir Zarif on saxophone and Eric Doob on drums. A trio minus the piano is rare and the ability to successfully pull off this acoustic miracle without drawing attention to that fact is no easy task - except Glawischnig makes it look incredibly easy!

The opening tune, "Once I Hesitate: is a lyrically charged tune showcasing Zarif while punctuated by the rhythms of Glawischnig and Doob. This trio creates a sonic dynamic tension, three dimensional soundscapes working as one harmonious voice. "From The Essence" shifts musical gears to a more intimate approach, slightly moody but the feeling is for the listener to interpret. "Alondra" owns a slightly more Latin approach with a curious and highly accessible pop flair, modern jazz going mainstream?

Jahira is a musical safari. The sonic adventure is every bit as rewarding as the finished product. From classic swing to more post modern there are multiple winners to be bagged here. Organic, dynamic but most of all incredibly entertaining. A trio with musical meat on their bones and the ability to shift direction on the fly makes Jahira a winner to kick off 2012

Tracks: Once I Hesitate; Jahira; Ballad No. 2; Crown Point; Calabria; Celia; Alondra; Beatrice; Shock Value.

Personnel: Hans Glawischnig: acoustic bass guitar; Samir Zarif: saxophone; Eric Doob: drums.

A taste of Hans Glawischnig in rehersal with Chick Corea on a different project via You Tube.

A Critical Perspective : The Death of the Compact Disc.

A small publication caused somewhat of a stir a few short weeks ago when they announced the plug would be pulled on compact disc productions at the end of 2012. Let's face it folks, we live in a down loadable, streaming cloud where you are the zen master of the mouse pad and your cultural options ( no matter how limited ) are available at the click of a mouse.

Whether it is 2012 or five years later in 2017 the fact is the compact disc is as dead in terms of long term formidable life as is an Obama economic policy. Hope and Change made most of us feel good but the reality is the government is not going to bring about Hope and Change any more than a major record label/the recording industry will stay with a format that is eventually doomed.

So what are the numbers?
This is taken from:
http://trustmeimascientist.com/2011/12/05/reports-of-the-death-of-the-cd-are-greatly-exaggerated/

Although CD album sales have continued to decline at a rate of roughly 20% each year, they have yet to be surpassed by all digital downloads combined.
Album downloads weighed in at a paltry 83 million units in the RIAA’s most recent report, representing growth of a little more than 8% and generating just $830 million in revenue, roughly a quarter of CD revenue. For their part, single-song downloads have increased by 12% in the past year, but with US revenues of $1.3 billion per year in 2010, they have yet to reach half the income generated by CD sales.
Even in an extreme scenario, assuming a continuation of the 2010 rate of growth in downloads and rate of shrinkage in Cd's, it would still take album downloads until about 2015 even to equal a newly decimated level of CD album sales. Using the RIAA’s current figures, in 2015, album downloads will have grown to nearly 127 million units, which would still amount to just half of the level of CD sales in 2010. Even at a continued growth rate of nearly 10% per year, it would still take album downloads an additional 7 or 8 years to equal even today’s relatively low level of CD sales.
If Cd's continue at the rapid rate of shrinkage they saw in 2010, it would still take them until 2015 to shrink to 80 million units sold in the US. And at that point, they’d still outsell vinyl records by a factor of 20. However CD sales have not shrunk in 2011 so far. In fact, they’ve grown.

O.K. Vinyl is dead. Nostalgia buffs have had their fun but let us face facts. With each play a "vinyl" recording loses quality no matter how great the pressing. The better the pressing, the slower the decay but the bottom line is hiss, pops, scratches and the simple passage of time are still the formats worst enemy.

Comparing disc to vinyl sales is like comparing Sonny Rollins to Boney James. The accessibility and affordability of pure digital formats are the only life lines letting compact discs stay afloat. Perhaps the disc is not doomed as of 2012, this appears to be the only source to have challenged the rumor from late this fall so never assume.

The switch to digital TV and the subsequent converter box fiasco that followed are courtesy of the United States Government. Remember the limited amount of time given the consumer to make the switch? The bottom line is money. Not corporate greed, not some cigar smoking label executive that says "Do It!" but money in the sense of remaining economically viable in a volatile marketplace.

Be prepared. The switch may come sooner then you think!

A Critical Perspective / Decca / EmArcy A Look Back for 2011!

The Decca/EmArcy family is another of the "major labels" to have had what could easily be considered a "label of the year" effort for 2011.

Charlie Haden, Gerald Clayton, James Carter, John Scofield, Michel Camillo etc...

James Carter had two of the most revolutionary and ground breaking releases in Caribbean Rhapsody and Crossroads but here I wanted to focus on my three favorites.

John Scofield - A Moments Peace

The ballads album but not just a bunch of worn down and worn out standards but a slightly eclectic and oddly quirky spin on the less is more zen like funk that is John Scofield. Easily a top ten desert island pick for me.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/09/john-scofield-moments-peace-emarcy-2011_26.html

Julian Lage - Gladwell

An incredible ebb and flow shows off the versatility as well as the impeccable artistry of an icon in the making.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/03/julian-lage-gladwell-emarcy.html

Michel Camilo - Mano a Mano

A mini Latin jazz summit. The piano trio broken down to a more unplugged status with the use of smaller Latin percussion and perhaps one of the two best piano trios for the year.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/07/michel-camil-mano-mano-emarcy-records.html

Congratulations to the Deca/EmArcy family of labels!

A Critical Perspective / Concord Records A Look Back for 2011!

The jazz and classics divisions pulled in 9 Grammy nominations. To say Concord Records had a stellar year would be a huge understatement. Record label of the year? Perhaps one of two but the more traditional use of major record label and the importance of being signed to a label such as Concord tends to date a critic or so a former editor tells me. The editor told me a great many things as editors do but the blatantly obvious seems to whisked right past him. When the record label in question also had critically acclaimed releases from Dave Grusin ( Grammy nominee ) and Marcus Miller then the quality of the product is never in doubt as it so often is with certain labels that left jazz over a decade ago but simply hold on to past glory with the never ending stream of reissues. For Concord I wanted to highlight my three favorites:

1. Karrin Allyson - Round Midnight

In reading the review you will notice that I make reference to this recording as a potential Grammy nominee. One of the finest vocal release not just for 2011 but over the last decade.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/05/karrin-allyson-round-midnight-concord.html

Next up: Terri Lyne Carrington - Mosaic.

  An All Star female jazz summit that is ground breaking, jaw dropping and genre smashing.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/07/terri-lyne-carrington-mosaic-concord.html

Finally there is perhaps my favorite: Acoustic Alchemy - Roseland.

Not many groups can weather a volatile economic climate and take the time to literally reinvent their sound and come back better than ever. Arguable their finest release to date.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/10/acoustic-alchemy-roseland-heads-up-2011_10.html

Congratulations and Happy New Year to Concord!

www.concordmusicgroup.com

A Critical Perspective / New Years Resolutions In Black And White

Resolutions for New Years not to mention all those pesky "Best Of" lists are occasionally fun but usually epic time wasters and speaking of which...

New Years Resolutions

Here are mine:

1. Nicholas Payton.

Wasted far too much of my time after his cyber melt down concerning my review of his latest Bitches, a horrendous train wreck. Payton also tried to engage his friends Marcus Strickland and Jeremy Pelt in cyber fire fights as well and in all likely hood his quote in All About Jazz sums up his philosophy as "this is publicity you can not buy." Check out the twitter post from earlier today:

paynic Nicholas Payton

Happy Fuck You Friday!!! There are too many of you to list, so I stick my universal middle finger out to y'all collectively. #FYF #mfcomn

31 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Nice Nick...Perhaps an indication as to why the release has stiffed faster than Hope and Change?

Let's just allow Mr. Payton to continue to ride that musical short bus to obscurity lane where he lives at the corner of musical footnote avenue. I'm still sitting on pins and needles waiting for the promised law suit that never materialized, not even as much as a nasty gram. Shame on you Nick, and you called ME the liar...Goodbye Nick and I hope the next release entitled Have You Seen My Career Lately does better for you.

2. There is a small but concerted group of musicians in the straight ahead genre that seem to think marketing themselves as having the cultural keys to the kingdom based on their ethnicity is the right thing to do. Their choice so let's call it a push. What is not a push is to disrespect the names of people like Ellington and Dizzy and to claim your self indulgent, racist and offensive attitudes and remarks in their name. Because I have been outspoken on this issue people like Orrin Evans and Dwayne Burno have physically threatened me on social media. Bully a critic? I must have hit the nail on the head. The resolution? To hold the door so they can take their seat on that short bus and never mention or review any work that is attached to their name.

3. As a former member of the secret pseudo intellectual jazz elite society, I am turning in my membership card at the stroke of midnight so I can have more time to focus on the up and coming Independent artists who have one concern and one concern only - music.

4. I will not make back handed digs at smooth jazz in general, merely the artists that have deserved it. The vast majority of these deserving souls recording for one label in particular but it is still the Holidays and I am filled with love and good cheer or maybe its sleep deprivation....so I will not go there.

5. I'll stop being this critic's worst critic. Life is a 24/7 learning curve and as Coleman Hawkins said and allow me to paraphrase - " If you don't make mistakes you ain't trying..."  Those that travel in my inner circle know I always try.

6. Finally hoping each of you that take the time to read can perhaps find out about a great new release and maybe tell a friend or maybe give you some cool back story you were not aware of.

I wish each and everyone of you ( except those cats on the short bus ) a very happy, healthy and successful New Year!

Hey, I said nothing about stopping that nasty habit I have of holding a grudge!

Chick Corea Further Explorations Concord 2012

The modern jazz piano trio, Bill Evans harmonic sense of self discovery played with a three dimensional soul including ChicK Corea along with bassist Eddie Gomez and the late drummer Paul Motian.

Further Explorations was recorded live at the Blue Note in New York City on May 4-17, 2010. Sadly drummer Paul Motian passed away on 11/22/11. This two-CD live set of 19 tracks is a profound and exemplary work of three master musicians displaying a musical synergy and cohesion  rarely heard and in some cases felt. Far from a tribute, the discography of Evans was carefully considered along with original work from each trio member. A special gift is included on disc one, "Song No.1." is a previously unrecorded piece by Evans. The trio also replicates Irving Berlin's "They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful," from Annie Get Your Gun and examines "Peri's Scope" from Evans' Portrait In Jazz. A presentation of substance merging with style thanks to Corea's deft touch and the rhythmic finesse of Gomez and Motian. Perhaps the highlight of disc one is the intimately beautiful Evans ballad "Laurie."

Disc two goes a bit more adventurous with the Corea original "Another Tango" and the stellar opening tune "Hot House." Paul Motian's "Mode VI" and the Gomez original "Puccini's Walk" are perfect companions to the Evans work offered and a gentle reminder of how the classic brilliance that is Bill Evans has impacted so many giants of our time.

Corea is a disciple of Bill Evans, having adapted many of Evan's harmonic concepts and techniques to Corea's prolific discography and prodigious output. While there is a the harmonic frame of reference there is the lyrical flow of Corea that seems to infuse new life and new musical trains of thought as some of the most sacred music of the modern jazz piano trio is not just reexamined but redefined for the next generation.

Sound quality can make or break a live release. As is typical for Concord releases the sound quality is pristine and in perfect harmony with the evocative cover. Further Explorations is presented just after the 50 year anniversary of the Riverside release Explorations,  a Bill Evans classic. Further Explorations  is an instant classic and arguably one of Corea's finest recordings.

5 stars!

Tracks: Peri's Scope; Gloria's Step; They Say Falling In Love Is Wonderful; Alice In Wonderland; Song No. 1; Diane; Off The Cuff; Laurie; Bill Evans; Little Rootie Tootie; Hot House; Mode VI; Another Tango; Turn Out The Stars; Rhapsody; Very Early; But Beautiful - Part 1; But Beautiful - Part 2; Puccini's Walk.

http://www.chickcorea.com/

Florian Fleischer Quintett Verzucken Neuklang 2012

U.S. Release 01-06-12

Jazz minimalism as a musical frame of reference may be best described as ECM lite for those familiar with the label. For those not familiar with ECM, think constant harmony, steady pulse and the zen like less is more to create a spacious ambiance of creativity and in this case presented from a gifted quintet from Germany.

Opening with "Die Stadt" there is an immediate connection to a more ensemble driven sound despite the improvisational skills of saxophonist Jens Bockamp. A constant forward motion, a specific musical direction while approaching the avant garde which merely adds more depth to this colorful quintet. Rolling directly into the deeply rich and moody "Verzucken" there is a spatial ambiguity that is carefully filled with subtly and a melancholy that is as thought provoking as it is expressive. This debut from guitarist Florian Fleischer carefully and methodically emphasizes the group concept where all participants are given an equal musical footing from which to work.

Minimal rehearsal was put into the recording of this work as to allow a more spontaneous free flow of improvisation and musical ideas to push on the fly. Given the technical proficiency of this quintet, less is more minimalism is a wondrous vehicle of expression in their hands. "Apple Tree" may demonstrate Fleischer's keen sense of melody and harmonic progression better than any tune on this release. Joe Pass meets Kenny Burrell. An open ended warmth and slightly more accessible approach while still holding true to form in terms of sonic exploration. Fleischer has chops galore and his strong lyrical playing drives this tune and ensemble into some creative territory similar artists seem to be side stepping.

Warm, rich and open this is a release that will get 2012 started in style. A unique ensemble approach avoiding the self indulgent and emphasizing the compositions. A gem!

Tracks: Die Stoudt; Verzucken; Erkennen; Bergreifen; Klarheit; Apple Tree; Silly Season; Die Grobe Leere; Jaolezie Nr. 1.

Personnel: Florian Fleischer: guitar; Jens Backamp: saxophone; Philipp Ruttgers: piano, synth; Oliver Lutz: double bass; Etienne Nillesen: drums.

http://www.florian-fleischer.de/

http://www.bauerstudios.de/

http://www.neuklangrecords.de/

Jack DeJohnette Sound Travels Golden Beams / E One

"I love to play grooves and beautiful melodies" - Jack DeJohnette

The classic undersell with Sound Travels a vibrant sonic texture of Latin rhythms, percussive punctuations of West Indian vibe and a splash of old school swing. 2012 is proving to be a memorable year for the prolific talents of legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette. Arguably DeJohnette's finest release comes at the same time he receives a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Fellowship, the highest honor for U.S. jazz musicians. DeJohnette turns 70 this year and Sound Travels is a clear indication there is plenty of gas left in the tank! Sound Travels does more than transcend genres it smashes musical barriers and limitations that seem to have plagued jazz for years.

DeJohnette composed all the tunes except for "Dirty Ground" which was co-written with Bruce Hornsby and is a tune with massive cross over potential but do not confuse cross over with sell out. "Dirty Ground" is all about the groove and the beautiful melodies that DeJohnette loves to play! Other notables on the release include Jason Moran, Bobby McFerrin and Esperanza Spalding.

"Sonny Light" is a tribute to Sonny Rollins and overflows with a West Indian calypso sound that borders on infectious. For the more straight ahead sound there is "New Muse" featuring a stellar outing by soprano saxophonist Tim Ries as well as trumpet phenom Ambrose Akinmusire. The first vocal on Sound Travels is Luisito Serena Salsa featuring the vocal improvisation of Esperanza Spalding, a strong lyrical flow and melodic feel play out over DeJohnette's subtle Latin infused finesse.An interesting side note is that DeJohnette also plays solo piano on "Enter Here" and "Home" again adding a three dimensional type of harmonic progression. Open, organic and original completes the feel of stellar release.

Modern jazz goes mainstream? Drawing from a myriad of influences and again with the groove as the focal point, Sound Travels is as entertaining and accessible a release as you may hear across any genre nf music.

5 Stars.

Tracks: Enter Here; Luisito Serena Salsa; Dirty Ground; New Muse; Sonny Light; Sound Travels; Oneness; Indigo Dreamscape; Home.

Personnel: Jack DeJohnette: drums, percussion, timbales, piano.

Special guests: Bruce Hornsby, Bobby McFerrin, Esperanza Spalding, Tim Ries, Ambrose Akinmusire, Lionel Loueke, Luisito Quintero, Jason Morn.

http://www.jackdejohnette.com/

http://www.goldenbeams.net/

http://www.eonemusic.com/

Photo via Jack DeJohnette on line media press kit.

Many thanks to Jordy at DL Media and Eone for their help!

Jeff Lorber Fusion Galaxy Heads Up 2012

Having the good fortune to interview Jeff Lorber shortly after the release of Now Is The Time which should have won the Grammy for contemporary jazz album 2010, I may have been the first jazz journalist to uncover a potential sequel or follow up was being considered.

Confirming my accuracy if not my suspicions, Heads Up will release The Jeff Lorber Fusion Galaxy on 01/31/2012.

Again with an all star line up including Jimmy Haslip, Eric Marienthal, Paul Jackson Jr., Vinnie Colaiuta, Lenny Castro, Dave Weckle, Larry Koonse and Randy Brecker - Jeff Lorber does not just revisit a sound  he pioneered but goes one step further in reinventing his own sound for contemporary jazz. Lorber is widely considered as being the founding musical father of what has become known as smooth jazz which is basically lyrically accessible instrumental jazz drawn from some pop and rhythm & blues sensibilities. In reality the smoother side of jazz is a radio format, not a genre of music. In my brief conversation with Lorber he expressed certain misgivings if not concern over how the original jazz/fusion movement seemed to take a softer more accessible approach that may have not been the original intent of most artists.

Jeff Lorber now presents Galaxy, a musical reinvention of his prodigious talents and an intense throw back to a time when contemporary jazz was known for having a bit more of an edge. Yellowjackets' bassist Jimmy Haslip co-produced and co-wrote five tunes with Lorber. There are fresh takes on Lorber classics such as "Wizard Island," "City," "The Samba" and "The Underground."

Galaxy kicks off with "Live Wire" and the incomparable drumming of Vinnie Colaiuta along with a keen lyrical sensd of direction and joyous spirit. Larry Koonse shines on a more modern jazz guitar solo with clean intense lines while the tune develops an abstract harmonic sense of excitement and texture. "Montserrat" again finds drummer Colaiuta owning the pocket and a dynamic solo from the most under rated saxophonist on the more contemporary scene in Eric Marienthal. Lorber handles the work on Rhodes, Piano and Minimoog again adding layers of sonic flavor while a subtle punctuated funk creeps from the horn arrangement. "City" keeps the intensity and improvisational groove in full effect again showcasing Marienthal and the all star rhythm section. Closing with "The Underground" which features Randy Brecker, a flash fired and fully funkafied bass solo from Jimmy Haslip the only musical let down here is that it is sadly the last track on an otherwise perfect release. You walk away from the musical table hungry for more!

Jazz battle lines have been drawn between genres with differences on occasion being as thin as a sheet of paper. Galaxy is not a release that breaks barriers, it smashes through them. In the press release Lorber sites Horace Silver and Ramsey Lewis as inspiration and their influence shines on what is arguably the best Jeff Lorber Fusion release to date and possibly the most important contemporary jazz record in the last quarter century.

Other artists speak of that new sound or direction for contemporary jazz. The search is over as the Jeff Lorber Fusion has simply taken what they do best, made it better and raised the bar for others to follow.

Tracks: Live Wire; Big Brother; Montserrat; Singaraja; Galaxy; City; Horace; The Samba; Rapids; Wizard Island; The Underground.

Personnel: Jeff Lorber: Rhodes, synth bass, loops (1), guitar (2), guitar, rhodes, piano, minimoog (3), rhodes, synth bass (4), guitar, rhodes, synth bass (5), guitar, rhodes, synth bass, piano (6), guitar (7), synth bass (9), guitar (10), rhodes, piano (11); Eric Marienthal: alto saxophone (2,3,6,9,), soprano saxophone (4,5,11), tenor saxophone (7,10); Jimmy Haslip: bass (2,5,8,9,10,11), percussion (8)  Vinnie Colaiuta: drums (1-4 & 6-11); Michael Thompson: guitar (1,2,3); Andree Theander: guitar (1,4); Larry Koonse: guitar (1,4,8,) Lenny Castro: percussion; Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar (2,4,5,6,7,9,11); Randy Brecker: trumpet (4,11); Dave Weckl; drums (5).

@ Critical Jazz and Trippin N Rhythm / A Look Back At 2011

This time last year "smooth jazz" was left for dead. The radio format was and is to a certain degree still struggling but Trippin N Rhythm forged ahead. The little musical engine that could, a family of truly dedicated professionals from executives down to the artists did what good Marines if not good musical soldiers do. Improvise, Adapt and Overcome!

2011 has been a stellar year for Trippin N Rhythm! No longer just the finest for those whose tastes run to the smoother side of jazz, Trippin N Rhythm is now reaching past the self imposed limitations of radio format or genre to appeal to the much broader based contemporary market.

Cindy Bradley has a monster release with Unscripted, Down To The Bone is back better than ever with The Main Ingredients and new comer to the party Randy Scott makes it burn with 90 Degrees at Midnight.

Meanwhile...Nate Harasim, Paul Hardcastle, Bob Baldwin, Nick Colionne all put out tremendously solid efforts that have a little something special for all tastes.

2012 has new releases coming from Julian Vaughn, Althea Renee, Gary Honor and Darren Rahn ( that is just what I know of so far...). Smooth jazz has taken some lumps and some undeserved but when you have a talent lineup as strong as this label and the ingenuity to adapt to an incredibly volatile marketplace then the end result is a label as good as any and across any genre.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/04/cindy-bradley-unscripted-trippin-n.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/09/randy-scott-90-degrees-at-midnight.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/03/nate-harasim-rush-trippin-n-rhythm-2011.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/07/nick-colionne-feel-heat-trippin-n.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/05/down-to-bone-main-ingredients-trippin-n.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/07/paul-hardcastle-6-trippin-n-rhythm-2011.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/05/bob-baldwin-new-urban-jazzcom-re-vibe-2.html

http://www.trippinrecords.com/

@Critical Jazz Artist of The Year 2011 Jo-Yu Chen

Having reviewed more than a dozen piano trios with perhaps 3 serving as memorable, Jo-Yu Chen stands out as my artist of the year for being the epitome of the creative artist. Chen's own compositions are written with no pre-conceived subject matter and drawing upon a myriad of influences including her love for and initial training as a classical pianist, Chen is a rising star in a genre desperately in need of a musical jump start.

Chen was kind enough to field a few questions for us.

BB: Two release for 2011 and with Incomplete Soul edging out Obsession by the thickness of piano wire, I asked Chen to discuss the release and inspiration tied into the project. Chen's classical background and influences are also on display in her response for a delightful insight into this amazing talent. Little wonder this Taiwanese artist also happens to be a Steinway artist. 

"I am very much classically trained. i went to Julliard initially to study classical music when i moved to NYC. somehow after years, i accidentally fell in love with Keith Jarrett's album . i think i was blown away by his baroque-ish contrapuntal intro on "all the things you are". but i didn't start this jazz adventure until i went to new school in 2007 spring.(2 years of study).

I think incomplete soul did reflect my classical background. I love contrapuntal lines. and I am very obsessed with romantic period (bitter/sweet with dark beauty kind of concept). I love concise song form with beautiful melodic lines (you probably can sense that from most of my composition). so i guess my influence from classical music composers are Bach, Brahms, Schumann, and Scriabin, etc. as for jazz influences, i love Monk, Keith, Brad, Jason Moran, Mingus, Kevin hays, Sam Yahel my teacher, my band mates, ..etc they all inspire me here and there."

BB: Bringing her unique artistic gift if not approach to jazz, I was especially curious as a younger artist if she had her own "five year plan" of where she thought she may be career wise.

"When i was younger, i usually got very excited to plan for the future, as you can see, I didn't start seriously about jazz until 2007. and by 2011 i have two albums released by Sony. I've been pushing really hard without any rest and breathe. so somehow i felt it's time to slow down a bit and actually embrace a bit of what i have, subdue a bit, re-focus, find the center of my life, and i am hoping to create more music and definitely more of my own compositions in the future."

BB:  Jazz sales stink. What is the problem?

Jazz sales stink everywhere in the world. I hope I don't offense anyone, but sometimes I think musicians might be trying too hard to impress hard-core musicians/listeners and forgot how to connect with audiences. sometimes i feel, simplicity with taste is way harder than complexity. To me, less is definitely more in term of aesthetics.

BB: Last disc you purchased?

last disc? i just got a bunch lately since i was away from tour. i got Rio by Keith, Live at bird land (Lee Konitz, Brad, Charlie Haden, Paul motian), Paul Motian trio 2000+Two live ath the vanguard volume 3. Paul Motian, i have a room above her. Amy Winehouse ...etc.

A very special thanks to Jo-Yu Chen and Happy New Year!

My reviews of both releases are contained in the links below:

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/12/jo-yu-chen-trio-incomplete-soul-sony.html

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/12/jo-yu-chen-obession-sony-taiwan-2011.html

Go to http://www.joyuchen.com/ - A clip from Incomplete Soul.

Critics Picks Vocal Best of 2011!

Critics Picks / Jazz Vocals 2011

Having long said the best a critic can offer is perspective, an artist reminded me jazz vocalists are somewhat pushed aside when it comes time for year end "best of" lists and the point has tremendous merit! So, before this year of incredible music comes to a close there is still time to pay tribute to what I consider to be the best vocal releases either as a package or single track.  

In alphabetical order!

1. Amina Alaoui - Arco Iris

2. Aimee Allen - Winters & Mays
3. Karrin Allyson  - Round Midnight
4.Rick Braun - Sings With Strings
5. Shirley Crabbe - Home
6. Carmen Cuesta - Mi Bossa Nova
7. Elaine Elias - Light My Fire
8. Kurt Elling  - The Gate
9. Grace Kelly - Man With The Hat ( vocal tracks )*
10. Lizzy Loeb - ( Mitchel Forman & Chuck Loeb )*
11. Renee Marie - Black Lace Freudian Slip
12. Meshell Ndegeocello - Weather
13. Gretchen Parlato - The Lost and Found
14. Holli Ross - You'll See
15.Kathrin Shorr - Send Me Some Snow ( Christmas Release w/ Chris Standring)
16. Becca Stevens Band - Weightless
17. Tierney Sutton - American Road
18. Sachal Vasandani - Hi-Fly
19. Roseanna Vitro - The Music of Randy Newman
20. Deborah Winters - Lovers After All

*Lizzy Loeb - Top / Grace Kelly - Bottom



Amy Cervini Digging Me Digging You Anzic Records 2012

Street Date 01/31/12 (*)

You will dig this...

Amy Cervini is not a singer, not a vocalist but a wonderful story teller. Amy Cervini is an artist. Digging Me Digging You is breathing new life and for some people perhaps first discovery into the hip jazz pixie Blossom Dearie. While the release title is drawn from the lyrics to "Hey John" a song Dearie penned after becoming friends with John Lennon, Digging Me Digging You is a wonderful look not just at Dearie but a rising vocal star in Amy Cervini.

Unlike the American Idol and X-Factor flavored vocal pyrotechnics of vocalists whose greatest claim to fame may be a seven octave range despite not having the slightest clue as to how to use this gift artistically, Cervini is real. Cervini plays catch and release with certain notes all while keeping the melody front and center. Joined by an all star New York jazz combo, Cervini covers tunes such as "Everything I've Got" and "Tea for Two" and once again makes old school become new cool with relative ease.

This eclectic if not quirky set of tunes covers a wide range but is easily accessible to all tastes. On "Everything I've Got" Cervini conveys the right amount of attitude, sass and playful exuberance without ever hitting that self indulgent trip wire that a "singer" might otherwise find quickly. "I Like You, You're Nice" is an intimate ballad delivered with a subtle sensuality that is refreshing in the hands of a true artist. The rhythm section of Bruce Barth on piano, Matt Aronoff on bass and drummer Matt Wilson play with and not around Cervini which adds great texture and depth to a release full of intriguing nuances. Meters are slightly altered and arrangements slightly tweaked but everything comes together as a unique and invigorating take on classic vocal jazz.  

Not familiar with Blossom Dearie? That's cool. Cervini will do the introductions on an impeccable release that is as entertaining as they come!

And...You will dig it.

5 stars!

Tracks: Everything I've Got; I Like You; Rhode Island; May I Come In;  My Attorney Bernie; Hey John; Down With Love; Once Upon A Summertime; Doodlin Song; I'm Shadowing You; Tea For Two; The Physician; Figure Eight.

Personnel: Amy Cervini: vocals; Bruce Barth: piano; Matt Aronoff: bass; Matt Wilson: drums; Anat Cohen: clarinet; Avishai Cohen: trumpet; Jesse Lewis: guitar; Jeremy Udden: alto saxophone; Josh Sinton: baritone saxophone; Jennifer Wharton: bass trombone; James Shipp: vibes and percussion.

Cellos: Yair Evnine; Rubin Kodheli; Yoed Nir; Jessie Reagan; Alex Waterman.

For more: http://www.amycervini.com/

(*) Release dates are subject to change and initially this release was scheduled to hit the streets earlier. This review will be posted again closer to release date!

Chick Corea Further Explorations Concord Music Group 2012

For Release 01/17/12

The modern jazz piano trio, Bill Evans harmonic sense of self discovery played with a three dimensional soul including ChicK Corea along with bassist Eddie Gomez and the late drummer Paul Motian.

Further Explorations was recorded live at the Blue Note in New York City on May 4-17, 2010. Sadly drummer Paul Motian passed away on 11/22/11. This two-CD live set of 19 tracks is a profound and exemplary work of three master musicians displaying a musical synergy and cohesion  rarely heard and in some cases felt. Far from a tribute, the discography of Evans was carefully considered along with original work from each trio member. A special gift is included on disc one, "Song No.1." is a previously unrecorded piece by Evans. The trio also replicates Irving Berlin's "They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful," from Annie Get Your Gun and examines "Peri's Scope" from Evans' Portrait In Jazz. A presentation of substance merging with style thanks to Corea's deft touch and the rhythmic finesse of Gomez and Motian. Perhaps the highlight of disc one is the intimately beautiful Evans ballad "Laurie."

Disc two goes a bit more adventurous with the Corea original "Another Tango" and the stellar opening tune "Hot House." Paul Motian's "Mode VI" and the Gomez original "Puccini's Walk" are perfect companions to the Evans work offered and a gentle reminder of how the classic brilliance that is Bill Evans has impacted so many giants of our time.

Corea is a disciple of Bill Evans, having adapted many of Evan's harmonic concepts and techniques to Corea's prolific discography and prodigious output. While there is a the harmonic frame of reference there is the lyrical flow of Corea that seems to infuse new life and new musical trains of thought as some of the most sacred music of the modern jazz piano trio is not just reexamined but redefined for the next generation.

Sound quality can make or break a live release. As is typical for Concord releases the sound quality is pristine and in perfect harmony with the evocative cover. Further Explorations is presented just after the 50 year anniversary of the Riverside release Explorations,  a Bill Evans classic. Further Explorations  is an instant classic and arguably one of Corea's finest recordings.

5 stars!

Tracks: Peri's Scope; Gloria's Step; They Say Falling In Love Is Wonderful; Alice In Wonderland; Song No. 1; Diane; Off The Cuff; Laurie; Bill Evans; Little Rootie Tootie; Hot House; Mode VI; Another Tango; Turn Out The Stars; Rhapsody; Very Early; But Beautiful - Part 1; But Beautiful - Part 2; Puccini's Walk.

http://www.chickcorea.com/

Dan Barnett Some Where Some Place Some Time DB 2011

Big Band on steroids!

A vibrant swing, Latin you hear with your hips, an infectious groove and the New Orleans sound done to perfection. Dan Barnett is but one of the stellar talents that have been a well kept secret in Australia. Barnett's fifth album has this trombonist, singer and band leader not to mention the entire band firing on all cylinders with a foot to the floor approach missing from most big bands today.

Kicking the party off with the classic "Seventh Son" the horn charts are off the hook and Barnett's vocals are done to an old school crooner like perfection that makes old school new cool. "Looking At The World Through Rose Colored Glasses" is a smoker and continues to set up a non stop sonic party with great charts and stellar solos from this most engaging of big bands. "Let's Get Lost" swings with warm and vibrant vocals and a big band able to shift musical dynamics on the fly to create just the right amount of excitement and flavor without ever hitting the self indulgent level most big bands ultimately find themselves. "Hot Stuff - Tudo Bom" closes this release with style, flair and panache.

An infectious and intoxicating journey into the land of rhythm and groove, Some Where Some Place Some Time is a musical triumph of what was but...brought back and reinvented by drawing upon a myriad of genres and styles to make Dan Barnett's musical voice truly unique. Time and space limit my ability to express my true appreciation for just how well this band swings. If a chain is only as strong as the weakest link then there are clearly no weak links here! From Laura Kahle to JC Stylles to Andrew Dickeson and now Dan Barnett - The Australian jazz scene is exporting some of the finest jazz available anywhere!

Tracks: Seventh Son; Looking At The World Through Rose Colored Glasses; Warm Hearted Blues; Some Where Some Place Some Time; Soup Song; My Ideal; Little Joe From Chicago; A Little Minor Booze; Lament; Big Chief; Scarf Dance; Let's Get Lost; Hot Stuff - Tudo Bom.

Personnel: Dan Barnett: voice, trombone, shells; Darryl Carthew: trumpet; Peter Dilosa: trumpet; Todd Hardy: trumpet; Ben Gurton: trombone; Jeremy Borthwick: trombone; Andrew Robertson: lead alto, flute, clarinet; David Theak: tenor, alto, clarinet; Bradford Child: tenor, clarinet; Nick Boyd: baritone, alto, clarinet: Phil Stack: double bass; Andrew Dickeson: drums; Peter Locke: piano; Sam Rollings: guitar.

http://www.danbarnett.com.au/

Geri Allen A Child Is Born / A Gift - A Short Film for Children's Rights

In September of 2011, I reviewed the Christmas release from Geri Allen.

http://digitaljazznews.blogspot.com/2011/09/geri-allen-child-is-born-motema-2011.html

A soulful release that captures an essence of Christmas that escapes most artists. A deep spiritual sense of thanksgiving and appreciation coupled with a positive and engaging soulful message. I was later honored that a portion of my review now appears on the back of the special edition Christmas cards that have been used as fund raisers for various worthwhile causes across the United States. Motema Records and Geri Allen are both deeply committed to the artistic path less traveled by other artists with their goal seemingly the unification of the cultural masses no matter the country, no matter the race. A unique and inspiring world vision.

From a simple yet stunning Christmas release, an idea is born. Motema has collaborated with Media Voices for Children on a short film titled A Gift. A cultural music video set to Allen's new Christmas release and available for viewing on You Tube. The film is presented as a gift from Geri Allen, Motema and the filmmakers. In appreciation the public is encouraged to consider a gift to Media Voices or Media Voices Project, Kenyan School House.org (both non profit organizations) with those donating $100 or more receiving a gift of Allen's stellar Christmas release.

Filmmakers Len and Georgia Morris were inspired by the children they encountered while visiting Kenya and Allen's stirring Christmas release has some acknowledged Ethiopian flavors added throughout this impeccable effort. While the word economy struggles, this is a rare opportunity to contribute to a cause and know that your money is indeed well spent.

For more information go to http://www.motema.com/

Jo-Yu Chen Obsession Sony Taiwan 2011

At first listen to Jo-Yu Chen there is little wonder as to why Chen is a Steinway artist. To refer to Chen as the future of jazz may be a tad presumptuous but whether you are listening to Incomplete Soul or Obsession there is little doubt that there is a new and very exciting voice that is creating a ripple effect throughout the rather close knit jazz community. Positive feedback is consistent and with high praise coming from such colleges as her mentor Grammy nominated Sam Yahel and the incredibly gifted pianist Jason Moran there is little doubt that Chen's musical stock is an arrow pointing straight up.

Obsession is the first Sony release that hit the streets in early 2011. A dazzling mix of Chen originals, five covers of jazz standards and a wonderful interpretation of the Taiwan folk tune "Waiting for Spring Breeze" there is a traditional yet somewhat impressionistic approach taken allowing for tremendous freedom of lyrical development to be played out as each tune develops.

"Baby, You Are Fired!" is a tune after my own heart after utilizing social media to literally fire certain friends that were literally "not working out." In reality "Baby, You Are Fired" is a positive tune about pushing forward past the negative individual roadblocks we all encounter. A soulful lyrical opening from stellar bassist Christopher Tordini kicks off a tune filled with an obvious air of dynamic tension but also of an intriguing air of sonic mystery while drummer Tommy Crane adds the appropriate finesse called for to act as the musical ties that bind these delightful trio together. "Sunday Rain" begins to dictate a unique personal ebb and flow of a textured impressionistic look at vibrant talent with a unique compositional approach to her music. Chen writes with no specific pre-conceived subject matter but approaches her craft from the visceral abstract point of feeling. An artist truly channeling an inner creative voice that few contemporaries ever realize much less listen to. "Everything I Love" is a more straight ahead lyrical number with a subtle swing and infectious groove that only begins to highlights the groove that this trio is capable of laying down. The iconic standard "Summertime" is reinvented into a more hard bop shuffle of harmonic expression as new life is breathed into a standard that has been done to death my most trios.

Jo-Yu Chen's background as a classically trained pianist that has made an all most effortless transition to the vibrant and incredibly competitive traditional scene happening in the New York area is causing critics and fans to sit up and take notice and for good reason. Jo-Yu Chen is not the next generation of jazz but instead part of a generation of musicians charting their own course and establishing their own unique and inventive voice at a time when jazz is in need of a much needs talent transfusion.

Jo-Yu Chen is a prodigious talent. Whether it is her relatively young age, an intense classical training that allows her compositions to take on a more grounded impressionistic quality, or simply raw dynamic talent for Jo-Yu Chen the next generation if not the future of jazz is now!

Picking the best of for 2011 was incredibly difficult. Announcing that Jo-Yu Chen is my artist of the year is relatively easy. In a year with the landscape dotted with various piano trios and few cutting any new or lasting ground, Chen is one of perhaps three I will remember for years to come!

Tracks: Baby, You Are Fired; Sunday Rain; Everything I Love; Waiting For The Spring Breeze; Obsession; Walking In B's Shoes; Tears; I Fall In Love Too Easily; Blues Connotation; Summertime; Bonus - Cry Me A River.

Personnel: Jo-Yu Chen: piano; Christopher Tordini: bass; Tommy Crane: drums; Tyshawn Sorey: drums.

A taste of Jo-Yu Chen from her other Sony release Incomplete Soul via You Tube.

http://www.joyuchen.com/