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 [...]
by Steven Miller
Jesus Molina is a 27-year-old prodigious talent from Sincelejo, Colombia, who has established himself as a force in the jazz world. A Berklee College of Music alumnus and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation award winner, Molina’s multifaceted musicianship spans piano, keyboards, soprano saxophone, and vocals. His latest album, Selah, released on May 24, 2024, under Dynamo Productions, is a spiritual and musical journey that brings listeners into a realm where jazz fusion meets divine inspiration.
Selah, a term derived from Hebrew, often interpreted as “praise” or “lift,” is the perfect title for [...]
by Steven Miller
Nic Vardanega’s New Beginning is a solid project by an Australian-born guitarist and composer, now a seasoned New Yorker. The album consists of eight of his compositions that explores personal and universal themes of renewal and growth. Performed as a trio with Ben Allison on bass and Allan Mednard on drums, Vardanega’s third album delves into the essence of guitar, bass, and drum trios, a format that has long inspired him.
The album opens with the title track, a vibrant piece that showcases Vardanega’s adept melodic lines and intricate chordal structures. The Latin-infused rhythms and rich textures [...]
by Steven Miller
Antonio Faraò, an acclaimed pianist from Rome, has built a reputation as one of the most proficient and inventive pianists on the international jazz scene. Known for his technical brilliance, creative spontaneity, and rhythmic dexterity, Faraò’s music resonates with warmth, conviction, and power. His career has been marked by collaborations with jazz luminaries and contributions to jazz and classical music, making him a versatile and dynamic artist.
Tributes marks Faraò’s first recording with Criss Cross Jazz, where he teams up with equally virtuosic musicians: bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jeff Ballard. [...]
