The New York Times is one of numerous publications to declare Kurt Elling as the “standout male vocalist of our time”…and the Washington Post says, “Since the mid-1990s, no singer in jazz has been as daring, dynamic or interesting as Kurt Elling.” The legendary producer Don Was had expressed the desire to work with Elling, …
Category: KCCK Blog
Jazz Vocals, Experienced First Recording, Bill Frisell – Bob Stewart
Honest-to-goodness, real-life jazz singing is almost as rare these days as a nickel cup of coffee. There are far too few remaining practitioners of the honorable art of singing good songs with the lift, the swing and the subtle blending of music and emotion that characterizes the work of the best jazz improvisers. Jazz legend …
Living Legends, New Sounds and Local Classics – Bob Stewart
With more than a half-century of experience in the jazz world, it would be safe to consider Phil Woods not only one of the music’s living legends but a true aficionado of his fellow instrumentalists. So it speaks volumes that the first time he shared the stage with a then-14-year-old Grace Kelly, he was moved …
Shank’s Finale, Urcola’s Tribute – Bob Stewart
U.K. saxophonist Jake Fryer joins the legendary alto saxophonist Bud Shank and Shank’s outstanding rhythm section of pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe LaBarbera for a stellar be-bop session on the new CD, “In Good Company.” This was, sadly, the final recording of Bud Shank as he passed away the day after …
Philly, San Fran and Seattle – Bob Stewart
Although we’ve heard them play together on a track here and there on Papa John’s albums over the years, the Brothers DeFrancesco had never before recorded an entire project together–until now. Keyboardist Joey and guitarist Johnny come together on the new disc, “DeFrancesco Brothers.” While Joey has consistently been winning Downbeat Magazine Critics and Readers …
Sheppard Project, Organic Asherie – Bob Stewart
Bob Sheppard has long been one of the top reed players based in Southern California. Among his most important associations was his eight year tenure with Freddie Hubbard, along with work in the bands of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker and others. “Close Your Eyes”, just his fourth release as a leader, gives Sheppard …
Flavors of the British Isles – Bob Stewart
Norma Winstone was long considered Britain’s most distinctive jazz singer when, in 2007, she was honored as a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. She began her recording career in 1977 with the group Azimuth, and has appeared on discs by Kenny Wheeler and Eberhard Weber. Since the mid-’80s, she has been a …
The Art of Guitar – Bob Stewart
Longtime Los Angeles-based guitarist Doug MacDonald is a native Philadelphian who was raised in Hawaii. As a sideman on both coasts and some stops elsewhere, his live performances are in the hundreds, including those with Stan Getz, George Shearing, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, and Buddy Rich, among many others. Scott Yanow of Jazz Times describes …