Monthly Archives: February 2011

Paul Desmond: Pure Desmond

  By Alex | February 2, 2011 - 2:19 am | Jazz CD Reviews
Leave a comment

With a dry tone, and unhurried phrasing definitive of the emergent West Coast Cool–a relaxed alternative to the edgier hard bop coming from New York–alto saxophonist Paul Desmond had already made a name for himself with pianist m: Dave Brubeck‘s quartet on the legendary Time Out (Columbia, 1959). Desmond also wrote the tune that became Brubeck’s signature, “Take Five,” and, while he passed away too young at the age of 52 from lung cancer, he’s left behind a relatively small but significant legacy of recordings that have sometimes become overlooked with the passing of time…
Go to Source

Share

Taken with Terrasson: A Look At The Many Talents of Jacky Terrasson

  By Alex | February 2, 2011 - 2:19 am | Jazz Articles
Leave a comment

While reading reviews about the 2010 Winter Jazzfest in New York City, I experienced a sensory overload, despite the fact that I hadn’t even been in attendance. The list of musicians that performed at the event seemed too good to be true, as did many of the reviews, so I vowed to check it out for myself when the event rolled around again in January of 2011…
Go to Source

Share

Matt Haimovitz/Uccello: Meeting of the Spirits

  By Alex | February 2, 2011 - 2:19 am | Jazz Articles
Leave a comment

Matt Haimovitz/Uccello Meeting of the Spirits Oxingale Records 2010

That the classical music world should visit jazz repertory is not without precedent. As the saying goes, there’s nothing new under the sun. However, the spirits summoned here belong to that of visionary musician and internationally renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz and respected composer/arranger David Sanford. Together with the eight-piece cello ensemble, Uccello, the duo reconfigure classics by jazz masters from the 1920s to the 1970s, their respect for the original compositions coupled with imagination and tremendous virtuoso displays from Haimovitz. The participation of guitarist m: John McLaughlin on one of two Mahavishnu Orchestra numbers, drummer m: Matt Wilson and keyboardist Jan Jarczyk, lends an added dimension and additional vibrancy to several of the tracks. At the end of the day though, it is the ingenious layers of so many cellos, with their singular timbre, which brings energy, swing and luster to these decades-old compositions…
Go to Source

Share

Umbria Jazz Winter # 18

  By Alex | February 2, 2011 - 2:19 am | Jazz Articles
Leave a comment

Umbria Jazz Winter #18 Orvieto, Italia 29 de diciembre 2010–2 de enero 2011

En el jazz los sueA os existen. Uno de ellos se llama Orvieto.

Hermano menor del Umbria Jazz Festival que cada verano se celebra en Perugia, el Umbria Jazz Winter de Orvieto complementa de un modo sabio las programaciones de ambos festivales y, ademA s, contribuye al equilibrio buscado por el principal patrocinador del festival, la regiA^3n de UmbrA-a, que de este modo divide el acontecimiento en dos ciudades que pertenecen a las dos subregiones umbras, Perugia y Terni…
Go to Source

Share

CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Saxophonist Peter Macdonough Releases Latin-Flavored Homage to the Wizard of Oz

  By Alex | February 1, 2011 - 8:18 pm | Jazz News
Leave a comment

(Sydney, Australia)&#151it would seem fitting that a tribute album to the wizard of oz would be by a man from oz. but don’t peg the woo: a latin jazz suite for soprano saxophone as some novelty item. saxophonist peter macdonough has reinterpreted songs from the 1939 film in an afro-cuban and afro-brazilian context. the wizard of oz is no stranger to pop-culture makeovers; in fact, about 20 years ago an urban legend circulated that Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon LP could be played alongside the movie and provide an eerily accurate scene-by-scene commentary. But MacDonough takes homage to another level, approaching each vintage piece as a structure to build new ideas on…
Go to Source

Share

CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Speak Jazz Presents the Dave Sterner Quintet, "Sidetracked"

  By Alex | February 1, 2011 - 8:18 pm | Jazz News
Leave a comment

Introducing The Dave Sterner Quintets Speak Jazz Debut CD Sidetrack, featuring ten original compositions that showcase talented writing and stellar playing. The collection includes a variety of styles, from straight ahead jazz to funky groove tunes. Sidetracked lets you hear a fabulous improviser, band leader and composer, surrounded by imaginative veterans, in a setting they all obviously enjoy…
Go to Source

Share

FESTIVAL/CRUISE: London Welcomes a New Improv Festival: As Alike as Trees

  By Alex | February 1, 2011 - 8:00 pm | Jazz News
Leave a comment

On the weekend of March 5th and 6th, London will host a new addition to its ever-growing roster of festivals of improvised music&#151the intriguingly titled as alike as trees. organised by saxophonist david o’connor and violinist jennifer alum, both regulars at eddie prA(C)vost’s Friday evening workshop sessions, the festival features many musicians from the workshop alongside guests from across Europe, including the groupings Hubbub and AMM…
Go to Source

Share

TV/FILM: California Visual Effects Firms Facing a Bleak Landscape

  By Alex | February 1, 2011 - 3:30 pm | Jazz News
Leave a comment

Foreign locales are luring away productions and work with tax credits and cheaper labor, causing once-successful companies to close.

For 11 years, Nathan McGuinness ran a successful visual effects house in California. His Santa Monica company, Asylum Visual Effects, created the World War II submarine battle scene in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," the flying dragon straddled by Nicolas Cage in "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" and the bionic anatomy of Sam Worthington’s character in "Terminator Salvation…
Go to Source

Share