Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
After a recorded trio encounter in 2005 known as Mondo Trio (with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta) that became a musicians’ favorite, kindred spirits and fellow Jeffs, keyboardist Babko and reedman Coffin, knew they had to reconvene. When drummer Keith Carlock relocated to Nashville, where Coffin resides, it seemed to be the moment they had waited for. In between Carlock’s touring with Steely Dan, Coffin’s touring with the Dave Matthews Band and Babko’s moments off from the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band, they found a shared window to record “City of Cranes.” Not wanting to repeat the trio format, they asked Will Lee if he’d be interested in playing bass and young guitar master Nir Felder if he had the same time window free. Both agreed and Band of Other Brothers was born!
Reflecting on the inspiring spiritual presence of John Coltrane, Ruby Bridges (the first student to desegregate an all-white New Orleans elementary school in 1960), and spiritual writer and social activist Thomas Merton, Chicago guitarist John Moulder composed a set of music in celebration of their ongoing influence. “Earthborn Tales of Soul and Spirit” features saxophonist Donny McCaslin and trumpeter Marquis Hill, along with a cast of Moulder’s longtime musical colleagues, including drummer Paul Wertico, bassists Steve Rodby, Larry Gray and Eric Hochberg, and others. The Chicago Tribune says, “The radiant, life-affirming glow of the music is unmistakable,” while Jazz Times says, “The sound is tremendous, as are the performances.”
Also this we
ek, Honey Ear Trio, featuring bassist and keyboardist Rene Hart, drummer Allison Miller and saxophonist Jeff Lederer, unveil their second disc, “Swivel”.
Tenor saxophonist Richard Elliot is joined by trumpeter Rick Braun on “Summer Madness”.
Bassist Peter Brendler’s new quintet recording, “Message in Motion,” is his second as a leader.