Chicago guitarist George Freeman has been a part of jazz for nearly a century. Brother of Von and uncle of Chico Freeman, he’s worked with the greats, such as Charlie Parker and Ben Webster. Appearing on his new recording, “The Good Life,” is legendary organist Joey DeFrancesco, going into the studio just a couple of months before his untimely passing. Joey had admired Freeman’s work since he heard him on a Jimmy McGriff album so it’s quite touching that the two were able to collaborate. Also featured on four tracks is bass phenomenon Christian McBride.
There’s an argument to be made that Haitian-American guitarist-composer Frantz Casseus was one of the most overlooked figures in modern classical music. By fusing the European classical tradition with Haitian folk elements, the “father of Haitian classical guitar” developed a distinctive vocabulary on his instrument that was at once full of contrapuntal complexity and teeming with driving rhythm. Those qualities caught the ear of Chicago-based Fareed Haque, a modern guitar virtuoso who has tirelessly explored the realms of jazz, funk, fusion, Latin, world music and classical over the past four decades. He presents the music of the great classical guitarist on his new recording, “Casseus!: The Music of Frantz Casseus Re-imagined.”
Also this week, “Up High, Down Low” is trombonist Alan Ferber’s fifth studio album for his ongoing nonet of 20 years; the Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra delves into music from the Gennett Studios, the setting for some of the most famous early jazz records by Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke and Jelly Roll Morton, with “The Gennett Suite”; and Catalan-American guitarist/composer Oscar Penas returns to his jazz roots on “Chicken or Pasta,” with special guests Mike Stern and Greg Leisz.
Jazz Corner of the World with host Craig Kessler
Jazz Night in America
Undersung in the art world despite a prolific 50-year career, abstract artist Peter Bradley has finally begun receiving his due acclaim. That continues with the release of a new film which documents the artist’s dedicated daily practice. Bradley’s work is inextricably linked with his love of jazz, which provides the atmosphere and inspiration for all of his paintings. Saxophonist and composer Javon Jackson provides a score for the documentary, “With Peter Bradley,” that nods to some of Bradley’s favorite jazz icons while vibrantly capturing the moods and personalities of the film and its subject.
From country music to rhythm & blues, Robin McKelle has made an entire career exploring the rich vastness of American music. For her latest effort, “Impressions of Ella,” she returns to her traditional jazz roots, drawing from only one source and perhaps her greatest artistic influence, Ella Fitzgerald. To help bring her concept to life, McKelle enlists a brand new trio of venerated jazz players: Kenny Washington on drums, bassist Peter Washington, and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron on piano.
