Jazz Times called it right when the magazine declared Hammond B-3 master Tony Monaco “smokes,” wielding his instrument with “exuberance, skillful dynamics and galvanic solo construction…Monaco has plenty of soul.” Downbeat magazine agreed, saying that Monaco’s music “burns with intensity and passion.” Now, the Columbus, Ohio-based organ virtuoso releases his most personal collection of grooves …
Category: KCCK Blog
Mayfield Impressions; Locke/Keezer Collaboration – Bob Stewart
Curtis Mayfield ranks among the most important and influential artists of the past century, the definition of soul both as the leader of the Impressions and as a solo artist. Jazz musicians have long found much in his words and melodies to inspire new interpretations. “Impressions of Curtis Mayfield” is a new collection of a …
New Billy Hart Project; Second Disc from Yosvany Terry – Bob Stewart
Drummer Billy Hart’s rich history includes stints with Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and many others. The quartet heard on his new CD — “All Our Reasons” — was formed in 2003, and was originally billed as the Ethan Iverson/Mark Turner Quartet. When Hart asked if it could be his band for …
Mehldau’s Odes, Escoffery’s Journey – Bob Stewart
“The pianist Brad Mehldau has led this iteration of his pace-setting trio-with the bassist Larry Grenadier and the drummer Jeff Ballard– since 2005, and it has evolved into a graceful powerhouse, equally savvy about groove and harmony.” – New York Times. “Ode” — the trio’s first studio release in seven years — “is a collection …
Newly Discovered Wes Montgomery – Bob Stewart
With a lot of sleuthing and a team of experts on the case, long-lost tapes of Wes Montgomery have been discovered and restored. “Echoes of Indiana Avenue” is the first full album of previously unheard Montgomery music in over 25 years. The tapes are the earliest known recordings of the guitarist as a leader, pre-dating …
On the Vanguard with Esperanza and Vijay – Bob Stewart
On the Vanguard with Esperanza and Vijay It hasn’t taken Esperanza Spalding long to emerge as one of the brightest lights in the musical world, with a unique and style-spanning presence deeply rooted in jazz yet destined to make her mark far beyond the jazz realm. Just last year she became the first jazz musician …
Teenie Tunes; Cool Kosins – Bob Stewart
A groundbreaking exhibition, “Teenie Harris, Photographer: an American Story” opened at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh in October. It celebrates this artist/photographer whose work is considered one of the most complete portraits of the 20th Century African American experience. “Hill District Beat” is an enhanced CD featuring over 100 of Harris’ most iconic images of …
Live Sets from Jordan and Moulder – Bob Stewart
2012 NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan’s performances are always intriguing blends of imaginative music making and deeply felt, richly emotional storytelling. More than many performing artists, she lays her life on the line with everything she sings. And more than any other jazz vocalist she reflects the power of the instrumentalists who shaped her musical …