Although one of the most emotive interpreters of standards repertoire, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel is also one of his generation’s most prolific composers. The NEA Composer’s Award winner asserts that it is his writing which helped develop what has now become a singular voice in modern jazz. For his first quartet disc in more than ten years …
Category: KCCK Blog
New Music – Bob Stewart
Most jazz fans probably know saxophonist David Bixler from his many years in the first alto chair of Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Cuban ensembles. O’Farrill describes him as “a brilliant mind, an outsider looking in at all the restraints of what is normally called jazz, but like true observers not bound by any of them. His is …
Expanded Claytons, Koplant’s Third – Bob Stewart
A new Clayton Brothers release is always a family affair-not only due to the actual blood ties of siblings John and Jeff Clayton and son/nephew Gerald, but in the sense that quintet-mates Terell Stafford and Obed Calvaire have become part of the Claytons’ extended family through years of touring and recording. On their new CD …
Mabern Leads, Johnson & Elias Collaborate – Bob Stewart
Harold Mabern, one of jazz’s most enduring and dazzlingly skilled pianists, steps into the spotlight as a leader on his new CD, “Mr. Lucky: a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.” During his time on the scene as sideman and leader, the Memphis native has played with such greats as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery …
Not Dead….Not Even Sick – Dennis
Is Jazz on the critical list? Well-known Jazz Critic and author Nat Hentoff has a guest editorial in a recent edition of JAZZed Magazine, “Jazz Revolution Vs. Radio Station Slashing Jazz.” He talks about the recent decision by Boston’s WBGH-FM to dramatically reduce its jazz programming. His main point is the disconnect between media and retail’s general attitude toward …
Anat’s Claroscuro; Cables’ Muse – Bob Stewart
“Claroscuro”, clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen’s sixth recording as a leader, presents the most comprehensive portrait of the award-winning Israeli bandleader to date. The disc takes its title from the Spanish word describing the play of light and shade and its moods range from buoyant dances to darkly lyrical ballads. Cohen is showcased in a …
Second Act From Maceo & WDR; D.C.’s Jazz Nation – Bob Stewart
Saxophonist Maceo Parker pioneered the sounds of funk and soul in the 1960s as the high-profile sideman to the legendary James Brown. He has since established a solo career that embraces not only that seminal funk sound but also jazz, R&B and more. He first encountered the WDR Big Band in 2008 with a Ray …
Elling’s New York Project; New Music from Equilateral – Bob Stewart
“Having done so many projects about my love for Chicago,” says vocalist Kurt Elling,” I wanted to make something that spoke of my love for New York.” The two cities define his career. Elling developed his craft in Chicago, and recorded several of his early discs there. But in fact, the singer and his family …