Music

Last night violinist Jenny Scheinman brought her quartet to International House in Philly, for a showcase sponsored by the wonderful Ars Nova Workshop. The group was to have featured guitarist Nels Cline, master avant-gardist from LA, now better known as a member of Wilco. The turnout was enormous, but sadly, Cline was not there — having toughed out two sets

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My review of alto saxophonist Bobby Zankel and his 14-piece big band, The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, in today’s Inquirer. Unfortunately, my mention of Zankel’s latest CD, Ceremonies of Forgiveness, was edited out of the piece. So I thought I’d mention it here.

My feature on virtuoso guitarist Biréli Lagrène, in the August/September ’07 issue of Global Rhythm magazine. PDF available here.

My monthly list of recommended CDs, as published in All About Jazz-New York, August 2007: Tom Harrell, Light On (HighNote) Roscoe Mitchell, Composition/Improvisation Nos. 1, 2 & 3 (ECM) Ferenc Nemeth, Night Songs (Dreamers Collective) Michel Portal, Birdwatcher (Universal France/Sunnyside) Alex Sipiagin, Prints (Criss Cross) Dayna Stephens, The Timeless Now (CTA)

Orrin Evans, the renowned pianist, is playing regularly at a new club in Mt. Airy, just outside Philly. It’s a new and interesting development in town. My story, in today’s Inquirer.

It’s by my friend, Jamie Leonhart, and it’s called “The Truth About Suffering.” Go to her MySpace page and listen.

My review of the latest Bowerbird show, in today’s Inquirer.

My monthly list of recommended CDs, as published in All About Jazz-New York, July 2007: The Nels Cline Singers, Draw Breath (Cryptogramophone) Kahil El’Zabar’s Infinity Orchestra, Transmigration (Delmark) Victor Goines, Love Dance (Criss Cross) Myra Melford & Tanya Kalmanovitch, Heart Mountain (Perspicacity) Enrico Pieranunzi, Live In Japan (CAM Jazz) Vinson Valega, Awake (Consilience)