by Steven Miller
Jazz and Christmas music have a long history of harmonious interplay; Rich Willey’s Boptism Christmas celebrates this spirit. Released under Willey’s Boptism Music label, the album merges beloved holiday standards with the harmonic colors, improvisational vigor, and rhythmic drive of jazz. Drawing on decades of performance experience and arranging skills, Willey brings a lively set of some of the season’s most familiar melodies.
Willey’s genius shines through his arrangements, transforming time-honored tunes into relatable jazz statements. His four-horn voicings—featuring alto and tenor [...]
by Steven Miller
Released by Shifting Paradigm Records on August 23, 2024, Tides by Philip Weberndoerfer presents a deeply conceptual journey through the highs and lows of the human condition, a sonic portrayal of life’s ever-changing currents. Weberndoerfer, a German guitarist, draws upon his diverse influences, from European classical and gypsy music to the American Songbook, and uses these to craft a sound uniquely his own.
Since his arrival in New York City in 2016, Weberndoerfer has become a significant contributor to the jazz scene, with his work as a bandleader and sideman reflecting a distinctive voice. His music [...]
by Steven Miller
Chris Potter’s Eagle’s Point is the kind of album that only comes around when the stars align—literally and figuratively. Featuring a modern supergroup of Brad Mehldau on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drums, this release on Edition Records marks a triumphant moment in contemporary jazz. Each of these musicians has carved out a legendary career in their own right, but here, they come together as one, creating something that feels rare and special.
This album, composed entirely by Potter for this occasion, is a meeting of jazz giants; it’s a convergence of individual mastery, [...]
by Steven Miller
Found in Space: The Music of Gregg Hill buzzes with the power of collaboration, diversity, and the timeless appeal of jazz as a genre that thrives on collective energy. Trombonist and bandleader Michael Dease, known for his reverence for jazz history and his formidable technique, brings together a stellar group of musicians from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences. This project, guided by the intricate, genre-defying compositions of Gregg Hill, serves as a platform for Dease’s belief that ensembles are at their best when they embrace diversity—racially, gender-wise, and [...]