Vincent Herring & Earth Jazz, Morning Star (Challenge). The rhythm section known as Earth Jazz is electrified, funkified and synthesized. Collaborating with them, Herring looks back to the heyday of '60s and '70s soul, with stylistic references to Herbie Hancock, early Weather Report and tinges of Azymuth and The Crusaders. His customary power and tonal perfection on alto and soprano saxophones are intact, even as he adheres to the limitations of the setting. The title tune eases up on the back … [Read more...]
Medvedev: Da To Jazz
July 2, 2010 by
In its entirety, this is an item from "The Reliable Source" blog in The Washington Post this week: Medvedev goes for the record: Jazz and rock music, that is While Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was in Washington with President Obama on official business, his staff went on a more personal quest: music for his vinyl collection. Two Russian women who said they worked for Medvedev walked into Som Records on 14th Street Thursday looking for Duke Ellington, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix recordings … [Read more...]
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
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Jim Eigo on Happy Fatha’s Day
Had the good fortune to see Fatha Hines in 1973 at the New School in NYC. There's a nice live recording of this concert too.Dick Unsworth on Happy Fatha’s Day
Haven't heard "Fatha" Hines and bassist Pedersen for ages. Thanks for the treat.Terence Smith on Happy Fatha’s Day
Earl Hines made every day Fatha's Day every time he played. Thanks to Doug Ramsey for this inspired choice of an inspired "Memories of You." ...Brew on Happy Fatha’s Day
Thanks for posting this gem. The Earl's rhythmic punch is always stunning. He could easily switch between smoothness and roughness like no one else. Like...W. Royal Stokes on Happy Fatha’s Day
Here’s Fatha’s show stopper, Doug. His left hand takes over the melody while his right sustains a 3-and-a-half-minute tremolo! I saw him do this tune...