Monthly Archives: February 2011
Paul Desmond: Pure Desmond
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 … Continue reading
Houston Person: Moment to Moment
Tenor saxophonist Houston Person’s Moment to Moment begins with an instant nostalgia trip to the classic Blue Note Sessions of the 1960s. It should not come as any surprise, then, that this album was recorded in the legendary Van Gelder … Continue reading
Taken with Terrasson: A Look At The Many Talents of Jacky Terrasson
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 … Continue reading
Matt Haimovitz/Uccello: Meeting of the Spirits
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 … Continue reading
Umbria Jazz Winter # 18
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 … Continue reading
CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Saxophonist Peter Macdonough Releases Latin-Flavored Homage to the Wizard of Oz
(Sydney, Australia)—it 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 … Continue reading
CD/DOWNLOAD/ALBUM: Speak Jazz Presents the Dave Sterner Quintet, "Sidetracked"
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 … Continue reading
FESTIVAL/CRUISE: London Welcomes a New Improv Festival: As Alike as Trees
On the weekend of March 5th and 6th, London will host a new addition to its ever-growing roster of festivals of improvised music—the intriguingly titled as alike as trees. organised by saxophonist david o’connor and violinist jennifer alum, both regulars … Continue reading
GENERAL MUSIC INDUSTRY: Citigroup Takes Control of Emi
Citigroup took control of beleaguered EMI Group from Terra Firma Equity Partners on Tuesday, ending the investment firm’s torturous three-and-a-half-year ownership of the music firm. The lender’s seizure had been widely anticipated, since debt-burdened EMI was facing another enormous debt … Continue reading
TV/FILM: California Visual Effects Firms Facing a Bleak Landscape
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 … Continue reading