Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
People fam
iliar with the top tier of jazz sidemen in New York City will know of Tardo Hammer’s name. Tardo is a fixture in mainstream Manhattan jazz clubs and has performed in Europe and Japan with some of the world’s leading jazz artists. Perhaps because the demand for his capabilities as a sideman with the likes of Annie Ross, Johnny Griffin, Charles Davis and Grant Stewart , Tardo’s own releases as a leader have been somewhat intermittent. With his new disc, “Swinging on a Star,” we gain some further insight in to Mr. Hammer’s taste, musical values, and considerable strengths as a musician. He’s joined by rhythm mates Lee Hudson on bass and Steve Williams on drums.
Trombonist Audrey Ochoa is a rising star on the Canadian jazz scene. After having completed studies in classical trombone at the University of Alberta, Audrey began performing professionally across Canada and abroad as a member of multiple ensembles. She’s worked with or shared stages with Canadian jazz legends like Hilario Duran, PJ Perry and Tommy Banks as well as Lew Tabackin. Though never having formally studied jazz or contemporary music, she has found a home in composing her own tunes that often have a Latin feel, and definitely convey her sense of humor. Her second release as a leader is “After Thought.”
Also this week, trumpeter Aaron Shragge’s band Innocent When You Dream offers up “Dirt in the Ground,” a second release interpreting songwriter Tom Waits’ stylistically diverse repertoire.
Guitarist Amanda Monaco is joined by Gary Versace and Matt Wilson on “Glitter”.
“Tajmo” is a historic collaboration between two generations of blues giants, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’.