Music has always been a pick-me-up elixir, and the new Matt Wilson album arrives just in time. Right now, we can all use a ‘Hug!’

Brian Landrus took a step back into tradition for ‘The Deep Below’ with Lonnie Plaxico and Billy Hart — albeit on his own terms — and made a reconnect with the roots that had always anchored his playing.

Never mind the studio setting, the highly lyrical and entrancing beauty of Fred Hersch’s piano and his empathetic rhythm section makes this another winning outing for this trio.

The thing about Matt Wilson isn’t that he leads a band from behind a drum kit…shoot, man, that’s been done at least since Chick Webb in the 1930s. You May Also Like: Matt Wilson Quartet – ‘Hug!’ (2020) Jeff Cosgrove, with John Medeski + Jeff Lederer – ‘History Gets AheadRead More

Fred Hersch has done plenty of duet albums and plenty of live albums, so perhaps it’s inevitable that the brilliant, reflective pianist would make a live, duet album with a guitarist. You May Also Like: No related posts.

The sharp, agreeable Haymaker will be Noah Preminger’s first album since the last one Before The Rain (2011) catapulted the tenor saxophone master to the front ranks of today’s current crop of young lions. You May Also Like: Jeff Cosgrove, Noah Preminger + Kim Cass – ‘Confusing Motion for Progress’Read More

Among the voluminous amount of Christmas music recently released lies a fun stocking stuffer: “Spend Christmas with Me,” a duet with jazz chanteuses Jane Monheit and Sara Gazarek. You May Also Like: Dan Markell, “Carnival Game” (2021): One Track Mind

The title is so very appropriate, and not just because this set was recorded during a week-long stint at the Village Vanguard. Fred Hersch, after a near death experience in 2008, has never sounded more present — more, in short, alive. You May Also Like: Mark Wade Trio – ‘TrueRead More

Of all the living trumpet players performing today, few have accomplished as much as Tim Hagans. He acquired valuable experience playing in bands by Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, Woody Herman and currently, Bob Belden. You May Also Like: Tim Berne – ‘inSOMNIA’ (2011): On Second Thought Jaimie Branch – FlyRead More

Photo by Steve J. Sherman by S. Victor Aaron When reviewing Vijay Iyer’s sublime piano-only disc Solo last year, I tossed out my personal maxim that “when a great, small combo jazz pianist makes a solo record, it usually doesn’t signal that pianist’s arrival, it means he’s solidifying his legacy.” Well,Read More