With the bustling energy of contemporary jazz, Dave Pietro’s latest endeavor, The Talisman, is a beacon of post-bop creativity. Released under the SteepleChase label, this marks Pietro’s debut with the Danish imprint and finds the virtuosic alto saxophonists expressing sincerely with the rich language of the jazz tradition.
Pietro has been on the New York scene since 1987, performing with groups such as the Grammy Award-winning Maria Schneider Orchestra and the Gil Evans Project. This expansive experience brings a cosmopolitan sensibility to this recording with his approach to both composition and performance. The ensemble [...]
by Shannon Smith
When two experienced vocalists like Steve Tyrell and Deborah Silver join forces, the result is something special. Their latest duet, a fresh take on the Frank Sinatra classic “That’s Life,” showcases their individual talents and gift at presenting songs that have become a staple of American music. Release on November 17, this rendition is poised to make waves with longtime jazz aficionados and a new generation of listeners who are discovering these standards for the first time.
From the very first notes, it’s clear that this is a thoughtful reimagining as the arrangement, lush with the [...]
Brian Bromberg, whose career has spanned a remarkable journey from an in-demand session musician to a leader in his own right, is back with his latest album, LaFaro. On the album, Bromberg pays tribute to Scott LaFaro, a legend whose contributions have left an indelible mark on jazz music. These twelve songs delve into the nuances of Bromberg’s bass playing and the chemistry within his ensemble and offer a comprehensive album of the influence of LaFaro and the Bill Evans trio in which LaFaro performed.
From the outset, LaFaro is an exhibition of Bromberg’s virtuosity and deep respect for jazz tradition. The album starts with [...]
Jazz guitarist and composer Connor O’Neill’s offering, The Same Changes, Vol. II, is an album with a journey into the heart of contemporary jazz. It is led by a guitarist whose skills and sensibilities refine the music and bring a new perspective to the jazz tradition. Released on August 26, 2023, and self-produced, this album begins in Philadelphia’s vibrant creative music scene, showcasing O’Neill as a guitarist, composer, and producer. With a rich background that includes a master’s degree in jazz studies and numerous accolades, O’Neill’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the [...]
