10th studio effort from pianist/composer Hiromi. A dynamic player who plays in a free wheeling mind set that allows her great rhythm section of Anthony Jackson(contra bass) and Simon Phillips ample room too groove. This trio formed in 2010 and this is their fourth recording.  (dc)

Born and bred Norwegian saxophonist makes an impressive statement on her ECM debut. Disk 1 is a trio setting which shows off her musical chops without blowing the doors off. Disk 2 is a large ensemble which again proves Mette’s musical prowess without over playing. A wonderful debut.            (dc)

The tasteful, swinging and always interesting drummer leads his trio on a well balanced  musical landscape that features 3 original and nice interpretations of tunes by Monk, Horace Silver and Sonny Rollins. Joe plays multiple instruments. Very Good.                                   […]

The title is a musical William Parker has been writing for over 20 years. The story is based on Stanley Greybeard and his wife who live on the Santa Ana Indian reservation in New Mexico. One  night while blazin’ fire in the mountains, Stanley a receives a spiritual message from the magical wind that music […]

Chico(tenor/soprano sax) is in great form on this quartet session that was recorded in Germany. 8 originals pieces which include 5 dedicated with love to Mr.Freeman’s 5 daughters. His playing is soulful and rich with a worldly vision that continues to flower.Has been recording as a leader since the mid 1970’s and has worked with […]

First recording on Impulse! for the tight trio that has been together for 20 years.  The  Top notch piano trio are a mainstay in N.YC.  Very Good.        (dc)

 Impressive cast of musicians bring to the light the vision of Andy(piano/composer/arranger) of melding common musical themes of various cultures into a jazz setting. Features Taiwanese based Interesting Quartet on 2 cuts. Excellent arrangements with fine playing throughout. Wallace Roney(trumpet) Bruce Williamson(bass clarinet) is well received.                   […]

Drummer/Composer leads excellent trio on this debut effort for ECM. Spacious and subtle original songs that are beautiful,dark and introspective. Ches also plays vibraphone & timpani. Greg Taborn(piano) Matt Maneri(viola) round out the trio. Great modern/creative music.     (dc)

One the most impressive/respected drummers in modern jazz is back again with another ambitious and mysterious outing. Dan combines jazz,indian music,classical,prog rock and other influences to put together this musical landscape. The basis of theses compositions are the transcribed rhythmic passages from the great jazz drummers that were an influence to him. An impressive effort […]

Pianist and his long-time rhythm section join forces with the soulful saxophonist Seamus Blake for his third origin recording. Vibrant and well crafted original cuts allow the group to focus on the emotion of each song weather up tempo or ballad.     (dc)

Saxophonist teams up with some of the best jazz players on 10 original compositions. The excellent interplay gives the feel that these guys have been playing together for some time. Victor Garcia stands out on trumpet. Carlos is part of the faculty at Florida A&M       (dc)

Kenny and his trio are in excellent form throughout this album that includes 7 original numbers and joyous dedications to Monk and Charlie Haden. Kenny has recorded as a leader and sideman on countless albums since the  1960’s. Recorded with Dizzy, Booker Ervin, Elvin Jones, Yusef Lateef, James Moody just to scratch the surface. One […]

6th release as a leader for Benin born guitarist/composer. Moved to Ivory Coast and continued his studies and also studied at the American School of Music in Paris. Earned a degree in Jazz Performance from Berkeley College of Music in 2000. A wonderful performer who does not overplay. He continues to showcase his excellent musical […]

Debut effort from swedish born vocalist/composer. Emma recorded two albums in Europe that were an indication of her writing skills. She relocated to NYC in 2011 and has put together a fine band for this program 7 of the 9 cuts are original pieces.  (dc)

Live studio date showcasing the musical chops of Rene(piano/composer) and the wonderful band assembled for this date.Tracks 1-7 are in tribute too the natural and mystical beauty of the Galapagos island chain. Steve Wilson flute(1,2,3), soprano sax(1,&7) and alto sax(6,9) Very Good.              (dc)

Guitarist Lage gathers his touring friends , Scott Colley(bass) and Kenny Wollesen(drums) on their debut trio effort. Julian has recorded,toured as a band leader,solo artist and duet performances. He has toured and recorded with Gary Burton the last few years. Julian is a fantastic player who really shines with this dynamic rhythm section. All original […]

Live solo performance from August 14, 2014. An eclectic mix of original pieces,standards and a take on Both Sides Now. Fred is an amazing pianist and a joy to hear with his trio or solo.                                          […]

A triumphant dedication to the great Herbie Hancock lead by Dick Oatts(alto/soprano sax) and conductor Matt Holmquist. Featuring musicians from NYC area and from Scandinavia. Wonderful arrangements and excellent throughout. The +1 is a Holmquist composition.     (dc)

This two cd set is Hristo’s(guitar/composer) 7th as a leader and at 35 has shown continued growth as a composer. His playing is subtle with adventurous undertones that allow for some open playing by this veteran unit.  (dc)

Ark(bass) is based in NYC where his musical vision has continued to progress and grow with an expanding musical statement. Michael Thomas stands out on Alto/Soprano Sax. 3 original cuts, 2 band member pieces and nice takes on songs by Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter and Kenny Dorham.  (dc)

Legendary New Orleans drummer fields his first date as a leader in some time. Herlin is rock solid and capable of playing in many different settings. 7 of the 10 songs are original compositions from the drummer who should record as a leader a little more often. Nice interplay between Bruce Harris(trumpet) and Godwin Louis(tenor/soprano […]

Russian born vocalist and all-star band are in great spirits on this seductive and swinging effort. A vibrant,joyous performance that has 2 originals(1,4),jazz standards and classic’s with a Brian Wilson cover(8)and a Lennon/McCartney(10) tune.     (dc)

Blue Note debut for UK trio consisting of drummer Rob Turner, double bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth on all original group compositions aiming to recreate electronic music with acoustic instruments (“acoustic electronica”).  Influenced by Eno, Cage, Massive Attack, Aphex Twin synthesizing minimalist piano themes, propulsive bass lines and electronica-inspired drumming with jazz and […]

New project from guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist/flutist Steve Slagle, whose collaborative efforts span several decades, expanding quartet to include four horns, on originals from both leaders and one by Mingus, exploring routes they’ve traveled (see song titles) as well as their musical roots.  Joyous, adventurous interplay featuring multi-textured horn arrangements by Slagle and superb […]

Seventh album on HighNote features 40 year-old trumpeter/composer leading quartet anchored by first-time collaborator, bassist/composer Ron Carter (who wrote one pivotal tune here — Einbahnstrasse) with usual suspects Billy Drummond on drums and Danny Grissett on piano.  Album is organized under headings Part I and Part II, the second half consisting of four Pelt originals […]