Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Multi-Grammy-winning piano legend Bob James returns to the trio format for the first time in four years with “Feel Like Making Live!,” a celebration of his unique artistry and storied career that stretches back 59 years. Consisting of bassist Michael Palazzolo along with drummer Billy Kilson, the trio’s blend of youth and experience is an exciting combination on an album which reaches back in time to embrace Bob’s musical roots. Recorded live in the studio, the pianist serves up tasty morsels from different phases in his career.
The music of Brazilian guitarist and composer Baden Powell has enchanted listeners for decades. The French-born, Brazilian-raised bassist and composer Gui Duvignau was drawn to the music through his Brazilian guitarist friends, who all considered Powell a fundamental figure in the worlds of Brazilian music and acoustic guitar. Years of studying and performing Baden’s music led Duvignau to the idea of developing a recording celebrating the great guitarist. The new album, “Baden,” uses Powell’s beloved songs as a foundation for explorative interpretations and improvisations from Duvignau’s fantastic ensemble, along with esteemed guests Ron Carter and Bill Frisell.
Also this week, guitar master Dave Stryker addresses one of the few configurations he hasn’t tackled during his 40-plus years in the jazz trenches, integrating string quartet arrangements into his suite of new originals, “As We Are”;
guitarist Romero Lubambo also experiences a first as he teams up with arranger Rafael Piccolotto to present his music with the more expansive color and texture palette of a chamber orchestra on “Live at Dizzy’s”;
and the Pittsburgh-based Reid Hoyson Project is joined by special guest saxophonist Keith Bishop on the new release, “Your Move.”