Jackiem Joyner | Self-Titled Album
by Susan Mutharia
I have often wondered why many artist’ first album is self titled. Is it because they are formally introducing themselves to the world? Is it an industry standard or is it an attempt to strip down the layers that define who they are?
Esperanza Spalding | Chamber Music Society
By Peggy Oliver
In just one decade, Esperanza Spalding has achieved so much in her musical quest and persevered even more along the way to find her own special star. Go figure that this singer/songwriter/musician who survived some challenging circumstances in her childhood would make teachers marvel, thrill audiences and teach elementary school students about the power of jazz.
Mike Phillips | M.P.3.
Hidden Beach Recordings | 2010
By George Strand
Consider the new album from soulful saxophonist Mike Phillips for just one second. Bridging worlds of R&B and contemporary jazz together isn’t a tall order from a gentleman who often engages himself into taking anything to the next level. Would he be considered special? Perhaps.
Lynne Fiddmont | Lady
By Jerry “The Mouse” Clark
I could start and end my review of Lynne Fiddmont’s Lady CD with one word – “angelic” – but that will not be the case. The inspiration from Billie Holiday, Lynne’s songbird persona and an accompanying cast of gifted musicians is the recipe for this outstanding album. You may be familiar with Lynne Fiddmont and not know it. The lady has recorded and/or performed as a singer with Stevie Wonder (as a member of his band Wonderlove), Bill Withers, Patti Austin, Whitney Houston, Babyface and countless more.
Brian Culbertson | XII
By Terrill Hanna
For many of you who are well aware of the various capabilities great keyboardist Brian Culbertson is able to conduct, whether it be on a jazz tip, on a smooth jazz tip, or on the trombone tip, Mr. Culbertson’s diverse reach for soul music isn’t much of a big surprise here. In fact, we shouldn’t be too startled to hear most of the R&B connections dished up for serving from the new project, “XII“.
George Duke | Deja Vu By Randy Mahon Keyboard master/songwriter/producer, jazz legend George Duke, returns with his latest project on his own BPM imprint, distributed through Heads Up International (A division of the Concord Music Group), “Deja Vu”. George takes his listeners back to his late ’70’s/’80’s era Funk/Soul sound. …
Bob Baldwin | Never Can Say Goodbye (A Tribute To Michael Jackson)
by George Strand
A year after the passing of the late, greatest entertainer of the world, Mr. Michael Jackson, pianist Bob Baldwin celebrates his legacy with a compelling tribute. The recording, “Never Can Say Goodbye” from Trippin N Rhythm Records, highlighted many of the biggest singles that had reached maximum chart status on Billboard.
Herbie Hancock | The Imagine Project by Randy Mahon Jazz great, pianist Herbie Hancock, releases another project that will undoubtedly win him another Grammy Award …… this time in the “World Music” category. Released on his own imprint, Hancock Records, “The Imagine Project”, the album takes the tone of the …
Lenny White | Anomaly When you hear the name Lenny White, what’s the first thing that comes to mind ? Return To Forever drummer extraordinaire ? Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew” drummer ? Producer ? Songwriter?, etc. ? …. Well, you’re correct on all fronts. Lenny White delivers a brand new authentic …
Hulon | First Impressions
by Terrill Hanna
It didn’t take took too long for saxophone artist Hulon to make a firm decision to release “First Impressions” in a state or period where jazz music is being challenged, more so the term ‘smooth jazz’, in the music industry. And he should not worry so much about the tag or term being associated to his music. This release carried a great range of contemporary jazz sounds, orchestrated with a wellness of peace, a rift of soul & a channel of fluid deliveries coming from Hulon and a solid support of his studio musicians.