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Lenny Castro
Dan West: Presenting the Dan West Big Band
by Jack Bowers
"If it walks like a big band and talks like a big band..." well, that does not always mean it actually is a big band. For example, Los Angeles-based composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist Dan West 's able group is by and large an octet which, by means of modern electronics, has been transformed into a full-fledged big band, and a pretty good one at that. On its debut recording, Presenting the Dan West Big Band, the ensemble is strong and ...
Continue ReadingDave Wilson: When Even Goes East
by Pierre Giroux
There is a long and respected tradition in jazz of taking familiar popular songs and reimagining them in new ways. It involves uncovering fresh rhythmic vitality, harmonic subtleties, and emotional depth within melodies that listeners think they already know. Multi-instrumentalist Dave Wilson follows this tradition with conviction on When Even Goes East, an album that blends four original pieces with inventive reworkings of pop songs from the 1960s and 70s. The result is a collection that feels both reflective and ...
Continue ReadingBob James: Jazz Hands
by Dan McClenaghan
Let us groove into a H.G. Wells mode and ride a time machine back to 1979 and revisit One On One (Tappan Zee), pianist Bob James' collaboration with guitarist Earl Klugh. The disc won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. It was a polished production, full of catchy rhythms and bright, memorable melodies--music that was as widely engaging as it could be. Now turn that time machine's dial to fast forward and revisit 1990's Grand Piano Canyon (Warner ...
Continue ReadingNorman Brown: Let's Get Away
by La-Faithia White
Norman Brown is an American smooth jazz guitarist and singer. Brown's style is contemporary, with a soul-jazz rhythmic storytelling vibe. His interest in guitar began at age eight, after discovering his brother's acoustic six-string. Brown's own take on the perfect getaway involves “a joyful and peaceful mental state, surrounded by companionship in an atmosphere of inspiration and beauty that is illustrated by the colors of nature." Each song delivers the genius of Brown's playing while giving attention to the fusion ...
Continue ReadingBoney James: Detour
by Jeff Winbush
The thing about a new Boney James album is that it is the same old Boney James album. James has skillfully found his niche as a musician and doggone if he's going to stray far from it. Detour is the saxophonist's 18th album as a leader, but the formula (and the songs) remain the same. Start off with that buttery sweet tenor sax right upfront, add some keyboards, programmed drums, and quietly strummed guitars, throw in a vocal track or ...
Continue ReadingChance Hayden: Shag Bag
by Geno Thackara
Warm springtime, sunshine, good friends—it must be time for a party. Chance Hayden is certainly feeling the joy and ready to kick off something fun. Working around pandemic restrictions left him and his colleagues ready to bounce and blow off some steam, and bagging (sorry) the iconic Ronnie Foster on keys made the perfect funk-fusion topping. The standalone single “Shag Bag" packs a drum-and-conga groove to get the backyard shaking, slathers on a dash of bright horns, then ties it ...
Continue ReadingJimmy Smith: Dot Com Blues
by Chris M. Slawecki
He's known as one of the founding jazz fathers of Hammond B-3 organ funk, but Jimmy Smith has always played the blues. Born in December 1928 in a suburb west of Philadelphia, Smith has been performing since he was 12, at that time in a song and dance act with his father. After a stint in the navy, Smith took advantage of the GI Bill to study bass, piano and music theory upon his service discharge. During this period Smith ...
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Music
Let's Go
From: When Even Goes EastBy Lenny Castro
Best Foot Forward
From: UnityBy Lenny Castro
Parabbean Tales
From: Parabbean TalesBy Lenny Castro
