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Sisterhoods have been steadily moving toward the forefront of the jazz scene. Elevated by purpose and promise, and upholding the virtues of equality and community, these sororities have become a substantial force in the music today. Monika Herzig, a thoughtful composer and inventive pianist, has become a key figure in the movement. She has assembled an all-star band of greats—‘Sheroes’ as she like to call them—who selflessly work together in presenting a judicious blend of covers and originals on the new CD, “Eternal Dance.” They include guitarist Leni Stern, flutist Jamie Baum, bassist Jennifer Vincent, Akua Dixon on cello, Rosa Avila and Mayra Casales on percussion, Lakecia Benjamin on alto sax and Reut Regev on trombone.
Esteemed pianist, bandleader and educator Andy Milne is excited to announce the release of his new album, “The reMission,” with his new trio Unison. Marking Milne’s first foray into piano trio performance, the disc is a shift in direction in the artist’s illustrious career. In late 2017, a life-changing cancer diagnosis forced Milne into a period of reflection over that career, a reevaluation of his direction as an artist, and finally, remission. Added to the mix was an unexpected offer for a full-time professorship from the University of Michigan. After conquering his diagnosis, he seized the opportunity to tackle the powerful intimacy of the piano trio format. Milne brings a bold, imaginative sound to this pared down context, presenting fresh original material written for this hallmark collaboration between himself, drummer Clarence Penn and bassist John Hebert.
Also this week, vocalist and composer Lenora Zenzalai Helm returns to the recording scene for the first time in nine years with “For the Love of Big Band” featuring Tribe Jazz Orchestra;
saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi presents his slightly off-center take on the tenor-organ-drums trio format on “Nearly Blue”;
and guitarist Henry Robinett finally releases an album he recorded twenty years ago, “Jazz Standards, Volume 1: Then,” an homage to the musicians whom he admires and who have shaped his music.