As I write this, the power fails at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park just prior to kickoff of the Niners/Steelers Monday night football game. But as I am also listening to Frisco-based trumpeter Darren Johnston, I’m hearing lights-out music. You May Also Like: Darren Barrett – ‘The EVI Sessions: Mr. Steiner’Read More

The first track from Steely Dan’s ‘The Royal Scam’ features jazz changes over a chugging funk-disco groove. It’s famous for something else, however.

For the uninitiated here, “whack jazz” is a term of endearment. It’s jazz that is endearing to me because it’s brave, daring and breaks all the rules about what jazz is supposed to be You May Also Like: David S. Ware & Matthew Shipp Duo – Live In Sant’Anna Arresi,Read More

When I sat down to think of all the standout mainstream and modern jazz records released in 2011 I could recommend without any hesitation whatsoever, I came up with 20 selections. Holy crap, 20! You May Also Like: Marcin Wasilewski Trio feat. Joe Lovano – ‘Arctic Riff’ (2020)

“Fusion jazz” has been harder and harder to classify lately, and that’s a positive development. It means that there’s more artists trying out unique new approaches, mashing together all kinds of music that having been done much or not at all You May Also Like: Brian Landrus – ‘For Now’Read More

It’s mid December and you might still be wondering what the hell you’re going to get that special music lover someone for Christmas. Steering you toward the good records and away from the crummy ones is a service we at SER provide year round. You May Also Like: Left LaneRead More

Steely Dan paid homage to Duke Ellington back on Pretzel Logic with the only cover song on a SD album, and less explictily so again with the closing track on Katy Lied, “Throw Back The Little Ones.” You May Also Like: Steely Dan’s The Royal Scam: Seeing the glory 40Read More

The title for the Noah Kaplan Quartet’s debut album makes all the sense in the world when you look up the word “descendant” in the dictionary. There, you’ll find one of the definitions read “deriving or descending from an ancestor.” You May Also Like: Noah Jack, “Neighborhood” (2017): One TrackRead More

The German-born, NYC-based, Berklee honors grad pianist Axel Schwintzer thrives on versatility, and the multi-national makeup of his band reflects that. You May Also Like: ‘Fanfare For the Uncommon Man: The Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert’ (2021) Porterfield – ‘Rome’ (2021)

Matt Steckler’s Dead Count Bounce is a band that within the parameters of traditional jazz seeks new musical directions You May Also Like: Dead Neanderthals – The Depths (2017) Gato Libre [Natsuki Tamura] – ‘Sleeping Cat’ (2022)