Ligro: Dictionary 3

m: Ligro is yet another one of MoonJune Records' stellar discoveries from Indonesia. One says "Indonesia" with caution, as each member of this supremely energetic fusion power trio hails from a culturally different part the vast region: bassist, occasional pianist, and chief composer {{A... [ read more ]

Adam Rudolph - Go: Organic Guitar Orchestra: Turning Towards The Light

This acoustic-electric guitar summit by an upper-echelon congregation of modernists yields a polychromatic listening experience, conducted and organized by composer, percussionist, Adam Rudolph. And it should come as no surprise that the musicians' distinct styles and vernaculars create added value... [ read more ]

Discovering Wardell Gray: An Interview with Biographer Richard Carter

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 [This is one of two interviews and an article intended to bring readers' attention to the under-recognized tenor saxophonist, Wardell Gray, whose brief career spanned the transition from swing to bebop and whose life was cut short by sudden and tragic circumstances.] Richard...

Jon Armstrong Jazz Orchestra: Farewell

I am beginning to wonder if every jazz musician has, in some dark corner of their psyche, a suppressed ambition to lead a big band. Economically unfeasible, logistically impossible--but artistically gratifying--a big band is perhaps the ultimate way to make manifest one's greatest musical ambitions... [ read more ]

Wardell Gray, "Forgotten Tenor:" An Interview with Filmmaker Abraham Ravett

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 [This is one of two interviews and an article intended to bring readers' attention to the revered but neglected tenor saxophonist, Wardell Gray, whose brief career spanned the transition from swing to bebop and whose life was cut short by sudden and tragic circumstances.] Sw...

Ariel Pocock: Touchstone

What are the touchstones of jazz? Harmonic acuity? Internalization of swing aesthetics and advanced rhythmic language(s)? The ability to quickly parse a composition in real time? An understanding of the historical framework of the music? The ability to create and speak one's own mind using any numbe... [ read more ]

AndrA(C)a Wood: Kaleidoscope

m: AndrA(C)a Wood presents her second album as a leader with, Kaleidoscope. Devotees and newcomers alike should feel equally welcome when listening to Kaleidoscope. Wood has done an excellent job of compiling a twelve song program that is accessible in the deep history of jazz along with h... [ read more ]