It’s a bit daunting to attempt describing this record–there is a lot going on here. Dan Weiss is a ridiculous drummer, first of all. That’s an easy place to start. These are his compositions for piano trio, and they often bleed into each other, feeling like shorter movements in an epic work. There are solos … Continue reading
Cory Smythe’s solo piano record is a perfect project. The music itself blends disperate elements like impressionism, romantic jazz harmonies, electronic overdubs, and disjunct piano runs in a way that is so seamless it seems not to flow from one idea to the next; rather, the music is one continuous idea containing all styles naturally. … Continue reading
A few weeks ago I sold CDs for John Hollenbeck’s large ensemble at REDCAT, and for that I was rewarded with this as of yet unreleased album by the French National Jazz Orchestra. The group is extremely young, but in what seems like an effort to place themselves at the forefront of new jazz works, … Continue reading
This record is perhaps the most seamless blend of contemporary classical composition and improvisational elements that I’ve ever heard. The compositions are contributed by all three members, although you’d be hard pressed to determine who wrote what. There is a definite group sound here, which takes much inspiration from the slowly evolving compositions of Morton Feldman … Continue reading
CalArts grad and stellar musician Matt Mayhall has released his first record with Sam Minaie (Axis Trio) and Adam Benjamin (Kneebody). The trio achieves a really cohesive sound on this record, both aesthetically and in terms of communication. The compositions all sound fresh; each of the member’s contributions has its own character, while still fitting into the … Continue reading
I’m not exactly sure how the Tin Hat Trio and the rock version 2 Foot Yard escaped my notice all this time, but it’s better late than never. Violinist Carla Kihlstedt is the common denominator in the two groups, and even though they sound quite different, her trademark sound and writing style are clearly perceptible. … Continue reading
Well it took a while, but I finally got myself a copy of this: There’s been quite a lot said about this album already, so all I will do is mention that all the hype is justified. The tunes are really interesting, the players are fantastic, and Threadgill’s compositional system creates a group sound that … Continue reading
My friend Paul has released a solo album. I know everyone who plays on it, so it’s been a trip for me to listen to…the musical voices are as distinctive as speaking ones. I play on a track as well, but I’m not sure why. (Paul is a good drummer, among other things). Maybe he … Continue reading
My listening this week has been dominated by Tony Malaby, because after hearing his name associated with my favorite musicians for a long time, I finally got some of his records. Voladores is his most recent release, and has Drew Gress, Tom Rainey, and John Hollenbeck on it. I’m still trying to get a good … Continue reading
Since arriving at CalArts, I have been setting aside a bit of time each day to listen to something new from the library here. In what I hope will not become another doomed series on the blog, I’m going to share what I’ve been checking out: This is the first Carter I’ve listened to, so … Continue reading
