Can both transcendental and earthly jazz coexist on the same record? With ‘In the Key of the Universe,’ Joey DeFrancesco answers with an emphatic ‘yes.’

When I sized up the best fusion jazz discs of 2013 at mid-year, I came up with ten I really liked a lot. You May Also Like: Dave Holland – ‘Another Land’ (2021) Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Eric Harland – Aziza (2016) Dave Holland – Uncharted Territories (2018)

“Fusion jazz” is one of my favorite genres because it can encompass the intelligent, episodic prog rock of Guapo, forward-thinking world fusion of Maira Marquez or plain fun instrumental music of Rock Candy Funk Party. You May Also Like: S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2015 (Part 4 of 4, FusionRead More

Like Linda Oh, Troy Roberts’ journey from Perth, Australia to New York City has left a trail of awards and accolades in his wake and one gets the sense he’s just getting started. And yet, Nu-Jive 5, due next week, will be his fifth album. You May Also Like: WRDRead More

I probably say this too often, but here goes … this record is just too much fun! Saxophonist Troy Roberts knows how to lay down the funk and on Nu-Jive, the funk is relentless. From the David S. Ware-meets-Steely Dan opening salvo of “Chiver-town,” to the slippery “Shavon” (where electricRead More