Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
When it comes to Art Blakey, there is no living drummer more suited to honoring his legacy than the incomparable Ralph Peterson. As the last drummer chosen by Blakey to play by his side in the Jazz Messengers Two Drummer Big Band, Peterson is tasked with the unique responsibility of carrying forth Buhaina’s torch and tradition. On “Legacy: Alive Vol. 6 at the Side Door,” the mission comes full circle as Peterson and the Messenger Legacy Band mark what would have been the icon’s 100th birthday. The drummer is in the company of five undisputed authorities and alumni of the Blakey tradition: saxophonists Bill Pierce and Bobby Watson, trumpeter Brian Lynch, pianist Geoffrey Keezer, and bassist Essiet Essiet.
Charlie Apicella & Iron City are torch bearers of the classic guitar/organ sound and “Groove Machine” is a return to form for the New York guitarist’s catchy, swinging original compositions. Straight out of the classic 1960s hard bop era and showcasing the band’s deep interplay, the third recording by Apicella, organist Radam Schwartz, saxophonist Gene Ghee, and drummer Alan Korzin, is packed with burning solos, Charlie’s tight arrangements, and an unrelenting groove that defines the character of Iron City. Special guests include Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Mayra Casales on congas, and violinist Amy Bateman.
Also this week, composer, conductor and bandleader Jaelem Bhate makes his debut with “On the Edge,” assembling a big band of Canada’s most exciting and talented jazz instrumentalists;
the Tierney Sutton Band presents “Screenplay,” an ambitious 15-track collection of songs from American film;
and pianist George Colligan is joined by bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White on “Again With Attitude.”