Issue 130 reviews
Our latest reviews for your reading and listening pleasure!!
Tom Dempsey/Tim Ferguson Quartet – BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP: What a splendid CD to close out this issue with… Tom’s guitar is joined by bass from Tim Ferguson, sax from Joel Frahm & drums by Eliot Zigmund in one of the best 10-song jazz CD’s we’ve heard in the last five years. I was particularly impressed (as you might expect) with Tom’s original composition, “Focus Pocus“… stretches in there that take me back all the way to my early days (with players like Gabor Szabo).. Tom’s guitar work on this is full of energy, & all the players are right in-the-pocket, keeping the movement going on this one! It was the instrumental interplay on “It’s True” that captured my vote as favorite track, though… 6:30 minutes of jazz that will make a true believer out of you (or anyone who truly listens). I give the quartet my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 – which earns them the “PICK” of this issue for “best guitar jazz”. Get more information at Tom & Tim’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
The Nate Najar Trio – BLUES FOR NIGHT PEOPLE: There are some excellent songs on this 12-song CD… unfortunately, I was unable to find any sound samples online (not even on YOUTUBE), so there’s nothing to link you to. Jazzy acoustic guitar in lots of different bluesy settings… at times, you may think you’re listening to Django-like sessions & on pieces like “Swing 59”, you’ll think Charlie Byrd’s reincarnation is channeling through your speakers. All-in-all a very nice session with excellent recording quality & high talent evident throughout. I give them a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.95. Get more information at the Candid Records label site. Rotcod Zzaj
Randy Granger – STRONG MEDICINE: A refreshing breath of new air from Randy… I reviewed his “A Place Called Peace” in where he got a great recommendation. His use of bells, woven with nature sounds & percussion against flute on “Dancing Skin” on this new CD is very calming and inspiring at the same time – and the vocal is spirit-laden throughout! “Deep Peace To You” is my favorite of the sixteen tracks offered up for your long-term enjoyment – you’ll find yourself listening to this tune over & over again. No, it’s not jazz, but it certainly merits my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for it’s high-talent and high-spirit! “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at Randy’s site – & be sure to tell him you read about his music here. Rotcod Zzaj
Timothy Crane – PIANOFORTE: My last review of Timothy’s splendid keyboard compositions was in issue # 104, where he got an excellent recommendation from me! He hasn’t let you down on this collection of 12 much stronger pieces. Just check out the sonic projections he lays out for your aural appendages on the beautiful “Awaken The Dawn“… I fell in love with this one as soon as I heard the first note. Timothy’s piano is “right out in front”, and these are keyboards that deserve to be heard all across the land. You’ll find the power of “Red Line” most inspiring – in fact, it’s my favorite on the CD. For all who love highly talented piano work, this gets my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Timothy’s pages. Rotcod Zzaj
Laura Sullivan – LOVE’S RIVER: Laura’s music will transport you to beautiful places… some in your memory, others in your future. One of the best examples of her musical power is evident in “Blessed” – a 5:51 tune that you’ll never forget & that will come to your mind often! She offers up 11 tracks with piano as the primary focus, but enhanced with Cello, acoustic guitar & a whole host of other instruments that will stay on your playlists for many moons to come. I was especially impressed with the closing track, “Snowfall On Water“; no other word describes it as well as “calming”. I give Laura a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Laura’s webpages. Rotcod Zzaj…
RETROREVIEW (originally published in issue # 96) Cara Clarke, Stefan Abuan, Steve Bartlett – BE HEAR (demo): As many who read our magazine regularly know, I seldom review demos… I’d been after Cara to get me something for review, though, for quite some time, & when she handed me this 5-song, I couldn’t pass it up. That’s in great part because of the quality of recording & performance on these tracks… the Abuan original, “Long As I Have Music” is a standout track, & Cara molds it nicely into something of lasting value! It doesn’t hurt one bit that guitarist Abuan & bassist Steve Bartlett are right in her zone, either… this trio has crafted some soulful sounds that will just shine when they flesh this out into a full album. I’ve watched them mature into a trio to be dealt with over the last few months, and it’s been pure pleasure for my aural appendages… their performances at one of our favorite spots in the area (Blue Bottle Cafe) are always pure joy to watch, with Stefan’s hyper-aware licks on lead guitar, Steve’s funk-filled bass both contributing to the soul-filled vocals & performance Cara always pulls off! All the way from that Abuan original to Sly Stone’s “Thank You” will have you up & dancin’, even if you’ve never danced before… this is music that’s full of the joy of soul, & “Be Hear” makes it happen – all night long. I can tell y’all right now, if the CD is anywhere near as funky as this preview, it’ll stay in your collection for years to come. I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, & an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.8 (on a scale of 1-5). Get more information on Cara’s FB page – & tell her I sent ya’! Rotcod Zzaj
Uwe Gronau – VISIONS: If you haven’t “seen” Uwe’s sonic outlook before (through listening to them), you’re in for a total treat… we’ve reviewed his works many times before in our pages, but I can say (beyond the shadow of a doubt) that this CD is the best work I’ve ever heard him do. Just scope out the wonderful electronic keyboard intro on “Children In The Park“, & you’ll hear (& see, if you have your headphones attached to your noggin) why I like his work so much. What really sets this one apart is the recording quality… I haven’t heard better in the last 5 years (from any like artist). Of the 20 tracks offered up, my personal fave was “Ragman Talking“… man, this thing is COOKIN’! Not only do I give Uwe a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners of all persuasions & a perfect “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00… he also gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best electronic music I’ve heard in 2013”. Get more information at Uwe’s page for this CD! Rotcod Zzaj
Wolfsheart – WOLF MOON RISING: There is really only one way to put this – the work on this great CD is the best Native American flute work I’ve heard in the last five years! It is billed as a “seasonal” album, but as you listen to the opener, “Breath Of My Soul“, you’ll realize that the spirit being expressed here transcends seasons & makes it worth listening to every day of the year! My personal favorite of the 13 songs offered up for your listening pleasure was “Snow Falling In Silence“… the addition of bell/chime sounds in no way detracts from the deep and profound scenery being painted for your mind. I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00. That also earns it the “PICK” of this issue for “best Native American flute works”. Get more information at the Wolfsheart page. Rotcod Zzaj
Dom Minasi Septet – THE BIRD THE GIRL AND THE DONKEY II: Dom has been reviewed in our pages many times… this latest excursion into free-flowing jazz will take you further than ever towards an “Alice-In-Wonderland” viewpoint on the sonic world around you. It’s one long performance, so be sure to settle in with your headphones so you won’t be disturbed. What you’ll find is an amazing sonic journey that features stunning guitar work from Dom & a whole host of other instruments from the other players you see listed on the CD cover. If you are a “regular” jazz listener, in other words one who can’t stand freedom – move on to another section of the racks… OTOH, if you enjoy total talent that is unhampered by restriction – this comes MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.98. Get more information at Dom’s listening page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Chagas Curado Viegas Wind Trio – OLD SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL NO SCHOOL: ’tis absolutely amazing (to me, anyway) the twists/turns creative music must take to be heard. “Fragmentos 1” reminds me of work I heard way back “in the day” with players like Transmuseq (Davey Williams, LaDonna Smith & Wally Shoup), but with a 21st Century production quality/level. Joao Viegas sent the debut album my way, and if you’re improvisationally inclined, you’ll fall in love with it right after the opening bar. You can listen to a few more sample tracks at the SQUIDCO label site, too. 11 excellent sonic adventures that any listener with a taste for the un-obvious will thrive on! I give the trio a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at their FB page (& be sure to tell them we sent you their way, please). Rotcod Zzaj
Ryan Truesdell; Gil Evans Project – CENTENNIAL NEWLY DISCOVERED WORKS OF GIL EVANS: The thing that’s easy to say, without qualification, is that you have NEVER heard Gil Evans works as amazingly deep and involved as what you will encounter under Ryan’s conductorship on this marvelous CD. 10 smoke-hot re-creations of newly unearthed Evans gems that will hold you spellbound for the duration – check out a bit of it here:
This is a jazz-lover’s dream come true – every track is abundantly full of life & the mystery that jazz is… it gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from my ears, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of .4.99. Get more information at Ryan’s PROJECT page. Rotcod Zzaj
Paradiso & Rasamay – ATTUNING TO ONENESS: These folks were reviewed last in issue # 113… I was impressed then & most definitely am now. The deep chime/bell tones on “As Above, So Below” will hold you spellbound from the opening note, and the didg is superb! Even if “new age” isn’t necessarily your cup of tea, you will find something to enjoy in the 11 tracks they present for your sonic enjoyment. The CD is slated to be released on the 5th of March, so go to CD Baby & get your copy now. I particularly enjoyed the vocal on “All Is Love“… in fact, that’s my favorite tune on the CD. Be sure you reserve a full hour for listening to this with ‘phones on… you will want to allow yourself space to absorb the spirit being projected. I give this very enjoyable sonic experience a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at their 5th Element page. Rotcod Zzaj
Chris McNulty – THE SONG THAT SINGS YOU HERE: If high-energy jazz vocals with a heavy focus on love & the wondrous things it can do for your life is what you’re after, you certainly need look no further. Chris will blow you away with the 10 songs she sings to perfection… just check out the grand (yet laid-back) groove of “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” to hear what you’ve been seeking after. In point of fact, this is the BEST female jazz vocal work I’ve heard yet in 2013. You wanna’ kick up your heels & let it all hang down/out? Try on the truly cool “Jitterbug Waltz” (my favorite track on the CD). Chris has a style all her own… & you’ll love it – I give her a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of (yup, the top o’ th’ scale) 5.00 – which also gets her the “PICK” of this issue for “best female jazz vocals”. Get more information about Chris & her projects at her website. Rotcod Zzaj
Yagull – FILMS: There is no substitute for beauty, especially when it comes to the music you listen to… this acoustic group offers up some of the most beautiful 21st Century “chamber music” you’ll ever hear… just scope out “East” to hear what I’m talking about! You won’t believe how fantastic Cream’s “White Room” can sound; the flute work is just fantastic on this one. This isn’t music that’s “trying” to be anything – it already is! I’m highly impressed, and you will be too… especially as you scope my personal favorite of the 15 songs offered up – “Mosquita” will take you to a land of peace and comfort – & you only have to come back if you truly want to. I give this one a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at the MOONJUNE page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
computerchemist – FT. ZSOLT GALANTAI SIGNATURES: Dave Pearson is the “computerchemist”, & we’ve been reviewing him since the dawn of – well, this magazine! “Caterpillar Pirouette” is a wonderful example of the kind of creativity he produces… if you can’t “see” the crawler as you listen to this – you’re 6-feet-under already! You’ll also greatly enjoy “Corporatosaur“… twists & evil turns just like you’ll find at your (un)friendly neighborhood corporate greed center. My personal favorite, though, was “Convection of the 9” – definitely requires concentration, but the sonic rewards are well worth your effort/time. Dave gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who want some “different” listening… “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information at Dave’s page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Doubt – MERCY, PITY, PEACE & LOVE: Don’t expect “jazz” here… we’ve reviewed these folks before, & know that they KICK out the power on all their songs… in this instance, there are 13 pieces based on some of William Blake’s work! Of particular note were tunes like the meandering “Jalal” (which actually does lean towards jazz once the organ gets goin’)… & it’s hard to believe it’s a trio enhancing your sonic environment so nicely (Alex Maguire on keyboards; Michel Delville on guitar, Roland GR09 & samples; & Tony Bianco on drums & sequencer). Their rendition of “Purple Haze” is the best I’ve ever heard, & turned out to be my favorite song on the CD… I think Jimi is mightily pleased (& not rollin’) as he listens to this from “the beyond”. I give this trio a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, though I’ll caution you that if you’re not willing to explore in your listening, you may not agree. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.99. Get more information at the MOONJUNE label page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Scott Healy – Glenn Alexander Quartet – NORTHERN LIGHT: As you listen to Scott’s piano/synth work against the fantastic guitar from Glenn (joined by bass from Kermit Driscoll and drums from Jeff Hirshfield), you will be pleased beyond measure if well-played jazz. That’s especially evident on tracks like the beautiful “Christmas Day“, a 6:41 gem that you won’t soon forget! What makes this even more amazing is that these were from “closet tapes” – over 20 years ago – now, how cool is that (I know that I’ve discovered a few of those from my old recording days, too… & it is truly a pleasant discovery for any artist). My personal favorite, though, was the 4:56 “To The Point“… each player draws the best out of the others – sonically, I’m reminded of some of the best work David Friesen did back in the day when I listen to these 6 songs. I give Scott, Glenn & their compadres from two decades ago a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED on this one, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Glenn’s page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Myriad3 – TELL: What a pleasant jazz trio effort… you’ll definitely groove to “Fractured“… & yes, it does sound a bit “disjointed”… not (at all) broken, though… this is a solid jazz tune, as are the other 10 tracks offered up for your pure listening pleasure! What’s totally evident in the composition & execution is that these three (Chris Donnely on piano, Don Fortin on bass and Ernesto Cervini on drums) is that they truly enjoy creating together. My personal favorite was their upbeat rendition of “C Jam Blues“… kicks right along at a pace you’ll understand right away, yet has some changes you’ll have to listen to a second time before you totally “grok” it. I give these fellows a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Mark my words – you’ll be hearing a LOT more from them! Get more information about them at their blog pages! Rotcod Zzaj
Ken Hatfield – FOR LANGSTON: Very nice guitar from Ken… we’ve reviewed him before, so I’m familiar with his work; & you’ll want to be, too, as soon as you hear cool tunes like “Dream Boogie“… superb energy & nice vocals from Hilary Gardner. The most notable thing about Ken’s music on this album is that it all is so together! 13 great tunes that will have you listening over & over again.. especially the “slinky” pieces, like “I Don’t Believe In Titles” – obviously, this features poetry from Langston Hughes, whose flowing rhythms provided the perfect backdrop for Ken’s energetic and highly talented playing. Jamie Baum provides some excellent flute on “In The Time Of Silver Rain” – you’ll love it just as much as I did, I’ve no doubt. I give Ken & crew a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. Get more information at Ken’s web site. Rotcod Zzaj
Bob Gluck/Aruan Ortiz – TEXTURES AND PULSATIONS: If ever the title of a CD “hit it on the head”, this is it! You’ll hear the colors pulsing as you listen through the 8 colored titles on this one. The opener, “Blue“, isn’t what you might expect in the way of mood, but it’s totally a totally intriguing 9 minutes (9:08 to be precise). The sonic hues they paint in don’t always “fit” what you might think a particular color should sound like, but the static clicks in the undercurrent of “Red” make you totally aware of how these two highly talented artists are hearing that part of the spectrum. This is by no means “throwaway jazz”… some might not even call it jazz… but it’s full of richness and adventure that any listener worth their salt will find very intriguing. I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) of 4.97. Get more information at the FB website for Bob and Aruan. Rotcod Zzaj
Pamela York – LAY DOWN THIS WORLD: If the hymns I grew up around had been played as energetically (and beautifully) as these, I might not have strayed so far away from them. Listen to Pamela’s wonderful rendition of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” to hear why I say that… sensitively played, but with all the verve of a spirit awakened! The same holds true for all 11 of the pieces presented here – a truly majestic listening session. From a jazz perspective, you’ve never heard a more lively performance of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee“… this is some FINE playing that all can enjoy. I give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Pamela’s site. Rotcod Zzaj
The Paul Winter Sextet – COUNT ME IN: You can visit the Paul Winter site to hear samples from this marvelous 2-CD set… About 32 tunes (hours & hours of jazz pleasure) that will hold you spellbound from the opening bar… I was particularly impressed with scorchers like the opener, “A Bun Dance”… after a State Department tour of Latin America, the band was invited to play for Jackie Kennedy at the White House. So now you’re saying – WHEN? 1961-62 was the time-frame for the recording, & the concert they performed for the Kennedy’s was the first-ever for the White House… & as you’ll listen to all these fantastic tunes, you’ll see that they WERE “that good”. This album is a very pleasant way to open 2013 – the music is high-energy & helps to renew the kind of “good feeling” we all had about jazz back in those early days. I give it a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00 (yeah, that’s the top rating). They also get the “PICK” of this issue (& perhaps for the decade) for “best sextet jazz”. Get more information at the site noted above. Rotcod Zzaj
Acoustic Ocean – CHIMES OF THE SPIRIT: We’ve reviewed these folks quite a few times now, most recently in issue # 106; their music is far more than just new-age wandering… they do truly investigate the realms of the spirit & will enchant yours with wonderful pieces like “If I Had Wings“… I just love the vocal work on this tune! If your soul is not moved by this tune, you’ll never understand what you were put here for! The inherent power conveyed by their tune “Tsunami” makes it my absolute favorite of the 11 musical journeys offered up. All their music is done without any of the cliches that often invade new-age, and the high energy they put into the performance makes this CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for listeners who want to hear what the power of the spirit can sound like. “EQ” (energy quotient) rating is 4.97. Get more information about these fantastic players at their page for the CD. Rotcod Zzaj
UNK The Radha Thomas Ensemble – I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU: Ev’ry once in a while we get an “odd one” in here… this CD in from India has some tasty little morsels for you, especially if you like traditional jazz vocals (Radha) that have a little “twist” to them… a good example is “Connections“… very, very pleasant vocal work, & the players are solidly behind the singer (some FINE bass work on this one, too). If you’re looking for a tune that has some fine instrumental underpinnings, you’ll surely like “Refuge” as much as I did. A total of 8 fine jazz pieces that you will find yourself attracted to – for both the vocal work and the jazz talents clearly evident! I give them a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96. Get more information at their BANDCAMP SITE. Rotcod Zzaj
Felipe Salles – DEPARTURE: This is my first listen to Felipe’s splendid sax work, & I can guarantee you it won’t be the last time I hear him… just scope out the title track opener, “Departure“…. 8 minutes & 53 seconds of pure jazz pleasure. It’s strange I haven’t heard him before, as this is his 5th CD. He’s joined with pianist Nando Michelein, bassist Keala Kaumeheiwa & drummer Bertram Lehmann, as well as trumpet from Randy Brecker. My personal favorite track is the scorching “B’s Blues“… Felipe’s reeds on this tune are surefire KILLER! Lots of Latin flavor, as you might expect, but the 9 tracks here certainly merit the MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating I’m giving it. “EQ” (energy quotient) clocks in at 4.98 – totally tasty jazz that won’t let you depart any time soon. Get more information at Felipe’s website! Rotcod Zzaj.
Joe Gilman – RELATIVITY: My most recent review (among many) of Joe’s great piano work was in # 108 (where he got a “PICK”, btw). The 11 tunes on here are full of life & vigor, & any jazz fan worth his salt will just HAVE to have this CD! One of my favorites is the opener, “Three Spheres“… the energy is super-high-octane. Perhaps some of the “EQ” is due to the fact that Joe used paintings by M.C. Escher to inspire him in his writing. My absolute favorite track on this CD is the best jazz piece I’ve heard (yet) in 2013, “Smaller and Smaller“… his piano is totally ON for the whole 5:50! If you’re in need of something to show a friend that encompasses the entire jazz realm – this is IT! I give Joe & friends a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Get more information at Joe’s page for this CD. Rotcod Zzaj
Jeff Holmes Quartet – OF ONE’S OWN: One of the easiest ways a CD gets high marks here at this ‘zine is to feature original tunes… Jeff’s newest effort has 5 (out of 9 total) that are composed by him… “Macaroons“, the opener, is one of the tastiest jazz morsels I’ve partaken of in a long time.. it will fill your heart, no doubt! The title track, “Of One’s Own“, keeps the paramount factor in good jazz at the forefront – keep it light & easy! Jeff’s piano is joined by Adam Kolker on tenor, soprano & bass clarinet; James Cammack on acoustic/electric bass & Steve Johns on drums for a session that will stay on your playlists (under the “fresh & new” category) for a long time to come. I give Jeff & crew a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Jeff’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
RETROREVIEW (originally published in issue # 15) Exposure Radio Network: EXPOSE (‘zine) First contacted these folks via e-mail after spotting ’em in an address list from our “I.N.” friend Henry Schneider… turnz out Peter Thelen is the one I got in touch with & he sez’ “I’ll send you a copy of the ‘zine shortly”. Well, b’lieve it or NOT, the package comes in about one week (wonders never cease, din’ think th’ UPS could WORK that fast). Three SPLENDID issues of what Peter & cohorts call “Your central source of information for Progressive, Symphonic, Fusion and Electronic Rock”… well, people, he’s not off the MARK at ALL! All the way from a comprehensive trib to the dear departed “Uncle Frank” to in-depth coverage of the latest prog-rock in Italy, with WELL written reviews of all KINDS of releases! This is a HOT ‘zine – & they know whereof they speak – they’ve got (what sounds like) a RED-HOT-SCALDING radio show to back up their claim to knowledge of the “scene”. The latest issue clocked in at 28 full-size pages. & that’s some rather small print (tho’ still readable). Fine layout, clean as a whistle and MOST informative. I really LIKED this ‘zine. Comes MOST HIGHLY recommended from Zzaj. Contact at PTLK@NETCOM.COM via e-mail or SNAIL to Peter Thelen, 6167 JARVIS AVE, # 150, NEWARK CA 94560 Rotcod Zzaj
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