Ambrose Akinmusire | When The Heart Emerges Glistening
by Brent Faulkner
Free-jazz’s appearance in the 1960s went right alongside the ‘sentiment’ of the times historically; – the idea of liberation from conformity and the conservative tides of the 1950s was ‘what was in.’ Free-jazz never faded away dramatically like some earlier jazz styles (namely dixieland, swing, etc.), but it’s popularity certainly peaked in the 1960s.
Colie Williams – Light Up the Darkness
By Peggy Oliver
Neo-soul is one of those categories that sometimes is hard to figure out or dissect. But it is encouraging knowing there are many urban vocalists today who are embracing the past without sounding too outdated. From the veterans Jill Scott to the recent voices Colie Williams, old-fashioned smooth soul with a fierce attitude is more alive and well than ever.
DJIB Stanford | Life and Music
By Susan Mutharia
If I could sum it up, Life and Music by Djib Stanford is about the roller coaster of life. There are several emotions when traveling through the tracks: ambition and determination while rising to the top, the struggle to forgive that’s a plunge to the spirit and sweet serenity while on treading on stable ground. The 14-track album is a fusion of hip-hop, soul, jazz and electronic music.
Album Review: Larry Carlton
Plays the Sounds of Philadelphia: A Tribute to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff
By Brian Soergel
Legendary guitarist Larry Carlton can play whatever he wants now, and boy is he taking advantage of it. Since breaking free of record labels and creating his own, Carlton has released one CD that was a reworking of the best of his solo work. It was modern and fresh. He also offered a CD with Japanese guitarist Tak Matsumoto, which was good enough to win a Grammy recently. To continue, please click “MORE”!
The Yellowjackets | Timeline
by Brent Faulkner
Veteran fusion jazz group Yellowjackets return with their newest effort, Timeline. On Timeline, Yellowjackets sound as if they have not missed a beat, adding yet another gem to their discography. A set of eleven cuts, there are no misses to mention, with each of the tracks exhibiting some special ‘magic.’ While Timeline may not be coined as being the group’s best effort – that would be their breakthrough and classic recordings – it certainly shows ‘the old guys’ still have their ‘mojo.’
Jazz enthusiasts shan’t be disappointed in the least by this effort.