Though I don’t know what ‘Psychomagia’ means, the name oddly fits the sometimes-manic and often-magical music performed on John Zorn’s latest project.

A few years ago, a great guitarist from the Midwest went back to the soothing pop melodies of the mid-60s to the mid-70s — his formative years — and in doing so took us all back, too. You May Also Like: Dave Stryker – ‘Eight Track III’ (2019) Dave StrykerRead More

Two years after Heads of Tales , a searing date backed by Jared Gold, Mark Ferber and David Allen, tenor saxman Tom Tallitsch returns with another strong crew for Ride You May Also Like: Tom Tallitsch – Gratitude (2016) Tom Tallitsch – ‘Message’ (2021)

Billy Hart had made a name for himself quite a long time ago drumming in bands or recording dates led by Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith, Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi, Shirley Horn, Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner and Sten Getz, You May Also Like: No related posts.

Wayne Escoffery returns to his hometown New Haven, Connecticut to tape a live performance with his latest quintet and the feels right at home during the gig, captured on his upcoming album Live At Firehouse 12. You May Also Like: Denny Zeitlin – Early Wayne (2016) Pearcy / Gratzmiller JazzRead More

Though my mind sometimes likes to classify all “big band” jazz into that Benny Goodman/Glenn Miller/Paul Whiteman box, doing so ignores the innovations in working with larger groups brought by Fletcher Henderson, Sun Ra and, mostly prominently, Duke Ellington. You May Also Like: Rickie Lee Jones, Alexis Evans, Shawn MaxwellRead More

Powerful pianists can often be impressive, but I’m more impressed if a pianist never has to mash the pedal to capture my ears. You May Also Like: Jeff Oster – ‘Reach’ (2018)

Randy Ingram was part of a cluster of new talent that was being brought to light by the Brooklyn Underground Jazz record label in the late aughts. The Road Ahead (2009) was a solid debut for the California-raised pianist and composer. You May Also Like: Wilco (The Album) echoed, butRead More

It’s impossible to cover the current jazz scene and not soon encounter saxophone extraordinaire Jon Irabagon. You don’t have to look for him, he’ll just show up on various performances You May Also Like: Mark Helias’ Open Loose – ‘The Third Proposition’ (2020) Barry Altschul & The 3Dom Factor –Read More

I have to admit that intellectually, I was not prepared for 80/81. I had not yet listened to enough jazz music. American Garage, First Circle, Kind of Blue and Weather Report’s 8:30 rounded out nearly my entire listening discography. It just wasn’t enough. And even when I finally took theRead More