‘Maximum Swing: The Unissued 1965 Half Note Recordings’ with the Wynton Kelly Trio only bolsters the case that Wes Montgomery is the greatest jazz guitarist of all time.
‘Smoke Sessions’ is one of Nicholas Payton’s standouts because in paying homage to some of his idols, Payton does so in an offhand manner that reveals his own inimitable musical personality.
Jazz Dispensary reissues two early 70s documents of explorative jazz: Gary Bartz NTU Troop – ‘Harlem Bush Music – Uhuru’ (1971) and Joe Henderson feat Alice Coltrane – ‘The Elements’ (1973)
More than any other album, ‘Speak No Evil’ is the reason why we often put that word ‘legend’ in front of Wayne Shorter’s name.
When I heard that Jim Hall had died I thought, “Shoot, I was hoping he was gonna live till the ripe old age of…” Of course, I then realized that he had lived that long. You May Also Like: Daniel Carter, William Parker, Matthew Shipp – Seraphic Light, Live atRead More
A guy with the amount of respect and credentials as a composer, bandleader, arranger and drummer as Gerry Gibbs can more the hold his own in the presence of anybody. You May Also Like: Gerry Gibbs & Thrasher People – Weather Or Not (2017) Daniel Carter, William Parker, Matthew ShippRead More
Kind Of Blue has long been touted as the best jazz album ever made, and I remain on that big bandwagon. But what’s the second best? You May Also Like: Wayne Shorter (1933-2023): An Appreciation Denny Zeitlin – Early Wayne (2016)
Though it’s always existed in the shadow of Wes Montgomery’s earlier Incredible Jazz Guitar, there is much to recommend about this easy-swinging 1961 follow up for Riverside — beginning with his able young sideman Ron Carter. You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)
In making ‘Magnetic’ such a collaborative, free-flowing effort, Terence Blanchard has fashioned one of his most layered studio efforts ever.
Best known as the drummer in the barrier-breaking metal band Living Colour, Will Calhoun has quietly put together an impressive resume in jazz
