The John Scofield Trio’s ‘Swallow Tales’ shows that Steve Swallow songs are the sound of quality modern jazz, even with a small band playing in no-nonsense bop style.

The third segment of the Jamie Saft/Steve Swallow/Bobby Previte collaboration is also their third time trying out something new.

Steve Kuhn just doing his regular jazz trio thing with Joey Baron and Steve Swallow – as they do on ‘To and From the Heart’ – is always exceptionally good.

The ever-discerning Carla Bley herself is a fan of the Bley tribute ‘The New National Anthem,’ and with the sheer joy on display that went into making this record, it’s not hard to figure why.

Steve Kuhn has been an original and dynamic pianist for over five decades, and that young spirit is very much present today on “My Shining Hour” and the rest of ‘At This Time.’

S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2014’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including Keith Jarrett, Brian Blade, Fred Hersch and others.

The two words “Swallow” and “Nussbaum” used in close proximity to each other instantly conjures up John Scofield’s best pre-Still Warm disc, Shinola. Scofield’s compositions and arrangements on that live set demanded much from his rhythm section, and his rhythm section delivered in spades. You May Also Like: John ScofieldRead More

‘The New Standard’ puts an edge into the oftentimes prosaic jazz trio format.

Carla Bley returns to her long running drum-less threesome featuring electric bassist Steve Swallow and tenor saxman Andy Sheppard with an album by this ensemble next week. You May Also Like: Riverside [Dave Douglas, Chet Doxas, Steve Swallow, Jim Doxas] – The New National Anthem (2017) John Scofield – ‘SwallowRead More

It’s damned near impossible to pick and choose only a handful of Paul Bley records as being the essential few, he’s been so prolific and readily moves from one idea to the next, constantly evolving along the way. You May Also Like: Paul Bley, Gary Peacock + Paul Motian –Read More