Kirk Whalum Concert @ Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
October 26, 2023
One of many Seattle-Based Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley favorites, Kirk Whalum, launched his annual appearance honoring numerous soul/R&B and jazz icons, saluting he music that fueled his birthplace, and showering gospel nuggets.
The multi-lingual, multi-genre People of Earth (PoE) introduce themselves on their self-titled CD
What happens when a multi-lingual ensemble comes together from several countries utilizing the power of timba music – a very intense percussive foundation which has deep musical history in Cuba bridging folk and other urban genres.
Percussionist extraordinaire Alex Acuña takes a tour of his musical roots and more for his latest release, Gifts
Those who are go-to musicians are willing and able to utilize their skills to lead, enhance and be flexible in whatever musical environment that is set before them. Alex Acuña absolutely fits this description as a drummer/percussionist whose contributions defy any category.
Jazzman Tony Hightower continues the road to his future Legacy with his second release
When an artist dedicates their recorded labor of love for a beloved family member, especially one who was highly impactful in their musical aspirations, the feeling can be quite mutual. Singer/songwriter/musician Tony Hightower fully recognized his mother Theresa Hightower (who passed in 2018) made a world of difference – professionally and personally.
Herbie Hancock Symphonically Reimagines the Possibilities of His Civil Rights Era Compositions “I Have a Dream” & “Ostinato” with Gustavo Dudamel and The Los Angeles Philharmonic
by A. Scott Galloway
On Thursday March 5th, a day I was not in the best of health, I dragged myself downtown to Disney Hall to see a Herbie Hancock concert.
Now, at 55 years old, I have had the good fortune to have seen Mr. Hancock plenty of times over the years all over southern California.
Contemporary Jazz Icon Boney James proves he is Solid once again for his upcoming CD
UPDATE MARCH 31st: Street Release Date has been updated to June 12th.
Sometimes it does not hurt to seek music that supplies good medicine to the soul when the stress levels are high. If music can play a healing role in that capacity, Boney James is fully locked no matter what he plays.
Jason Miles / Kind of New
Black Magic
(Ropeadope)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Keyboardist/producer/Sound Designer Jason Miles steps from the shadows of his collective Global Noise to revel in his penchant for soulful jazzy continental uniting grooves with his other band Kind of New, presenting Black Magic.
Chick Corea / Christian McBride / Brian Blade
Trilogy 2
(Concord Jazz)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
At 78-years-young, pianist/composer Chick Corea has assembled, led and cultivated a number of uncannily synergistic groups – large and small, acoustic and electric – in several sub genres of music classified as “Jazz.” Among his more recent alchemies is Trilogy, the Chick Corea Trio featuring bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.
Mike Stern – Jeff Lorber Fusion
Eleven
(Concord)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
On paper, the pairing of stalwart New York guitarist Mike Stern (veteran of the Miles Davis, Steps Ahead and Blood Sweat & Tears bands – to name just three) with studio slick Oregon-native/West Coast transplant keyboardist Jeff Lorber seems like oil and vinegar- highly unlikely to mix.
Latin jazz veteran Poncho Sanchez returns to the studio after a 7 year absence with Trane’s Delight, a hearty thank you to his hero, jazz pioneer John Coltrane
The love affair was launched when he was only 11 years – staring intently at John Coltrane’s self-titled 1962 album. After he saved some money to make that monumental purchase, Poncho Sanchez gathered his drums and congas and played along with the album that guided his musical spirit.