Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Undersung in the art world despite a prolific 50-year career, abstract artist Peter Bradley has finally begun receiving his due acclaim. That continues with the release of a new film which documents the artist’s dedicated daily practice. Bradley’s work is inextricably linked with his love of jazz, which provides the atmosphere and inspiration for all of his paintings. Saxophonist and composer Javon Jackson provides a score for the documentary, “With Peter Bradley,” that nods to some of Bradley’s favorite jazz icons while vibrantly capturing the moods and personalities of the film and its subject.
From country music to rhythm & blues, Robin McKelle has made an entire career exploring the rich vastness of American music. For her latest effort, “Impressions of Ella,” she returns to her traditional jazz roots, drawing from only one source and perhaps her greatest artistic influence, Ella Fitzgerald. To help bring her concept to life, McKelle enlists a brand new trio of venerated jazz players: Kenny Washington on drums, bassist Peter Washington, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron on piano.
Also this week, fresh off his appearance at the Iowa City Jazz Festival, trumpeter Benny Benack III builds on the signature style of his previous releases with the new album, “Third Time’s the Charm”; pianist Michael Costantino is joined by consummate veterans Harvie S on bass and drummer Thierry Arpino for a program of standards, classic TV and pop tunes, and even a Beethoven ballad on “The Song Inside the Tune”; and pianist and composer Will Bonness follows up his Juno Award-winning album from 2020 with his fourth album, “Is This a Dream.”