This review appears (in edited form) in the January 2014 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — Wheelhouse (Dave Rempis/Jason Adasiewicz/Nate McBride), Boss of the Plains (Aerophonic) Joshua Abrams Quartet, Unknown Known (Rogue Art) Rob Mazurek Octet, Skull Sessions (Cuneiform) By David R. Adler The fine avant-garde jazz of today’s Chicago is generally not piano-driven, though much of it
From the January 2014 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — When the George Coleman New Octet began its second set at Jazz Standard (Dec. 11), one band member wasn’t easily visible: George Coleman. The veteran tenor saxophonist began his solo on “Waltzing Westward” and revealed his position, seated in a chair on the floor just off the bandstand. Though he
Happy New Year! My monthly list of recommended CDs, as published in The New York City Jazz Record, January 2014: Marty Ehrlich Large Ensemble, A Trumpet in the Morning (New World) John Hébert Trio, Floodstage (Clean Feed) Gary Husband & Alex Machacek, Now (Abstract Logix) Earl MacDonald, Mirror of the Mind (Death Defying) Now vs. Now, Earth Analog (s/r) Jorn Swart, A
This review appears (in edited form) in the December 2013 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — John O’Gallagher The Anton Webern Project (Whirlwind) By David R. Adler In tackling the music of Austrian serialist Anton Webern (1883-1945), alto saxophonist John O’Gallagher expands on a history of jazz-classical interchange that’s as old as jazz itself. Strong recent examples include
From the December 2013 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — When cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum and his sextet finished their first set at the Jazz Gallery (November 9th), someone from the venue reached up to put a delicate framed photograph on the wall. “Did we knock that down?” Bynum joked, but the thought was plausible: his band rose
My monthly list of recommended CDs, as published in The New York City Jazz Record, December 2013: Ben Allison, The Stars Look Very Different Today (Sonic Camera) Jamie Baum Septet +, In This Life (Sunnyside) Marco Cappelli Acoustic Trio, Le Stagioni Del Commissario Ricciardi (Tzadik) Myra Melford, Life Carries Me This Way (Firehouse 12) Billy Mintz, Mintz Quartet (Thirteenth Note) Colin
This review appears in the November 2013 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — Kirk Knuffke Chorale (SteepleChase) By David R. Adler Cornet specialists aren’t in huge supply, but Kirk Knuffke stands out among this unique lot for his versatility and expressive depth. He’s explored Steve Lacy’s music with Ideal Bread and the Lennie Tristano legacy with Ted Brown.
This review appears in the November 2013 issue of The New York City Jazz Record. — Nate Radley Carillon (SteepleChase) By David R. Adler Guitarist Nate Radley doesn’t have the wide recognition of some of his six-string peers, though he’s one of the tastiest and most consistent players on the scene. He’s done enviable sideman work with Alan Ferber, Loren Stillman,