Dylan Ryan Sand – Circa (2014)
Though Dylan Ryan Sand is a small band, they create a big sound; though the songs are short, they’re complete musical statements. ‘Circa’ makes a lot out of a little.

Though Dylan Ryan Sand is a small band, they create a big sound; though the songs are short, they’re complete musical statements. ‘Circa’ makes a lot out of a little.

‘The Signal’ is bold, personal and completely lucid audio art from Elizabeth Shepherd. It wouldn’t be overstating it at all to assert that this is the most important vocal jazz record of 2014.

Unfailingly fresh, incalculable and rewarding, Peripheral Vision is giving jazz the swift kick in the pants that it needs. ‘Sheer Tyranny Of Will’ is sheer inventive talent on display.

Thank You Scientist more than deserves a second audition; don’t miss out this time.

Remembering a drop-dead gorgeous tone poem that was so emblematic.

A prominent acid-jazz trio and an elite guitarist discover each other all over again.

Live in front of an audience is how this music demands to be played, if the musicians are good enough. Ben Tyree and BT3 are way more than ‘good enough.’

Yes, ‘Apocryphal’ is ethereal, an adjective that might be overused a tad, but it’s all about the way Vinnie Sperrazza and his three accomplices give the music that quality. It puts Sperrazza’s formal debut in a far corner of jazz that’s rarely occupied with so much moxie.

‘The Where’ is a solid step up from a level that was already high. No one should think jazz is stuck on neutral after listening to this trio, and one senses that they are just getting started.

‘Over The Honeymoon’ glows as much as it grooves.