In the vibrant jazz clubs and academic classrooms, where the jazz standards breathe life and innovation, Matt Otto has found his exploration and expression. With a recording legacy spanning well over fifty albums, each a shimmering snapshot of his ceaseless metamorphosis, Otto has evolved from a young, free-jazz firebrand to a musical poet, sage, and mentor.
His journey—three remarkable decades in the making—illuminates an unwavering commitment to his own musical ideals and artistic identity. Now, he embarks on a heartfelt tribute to the [...]
Pianist and composer, Eric Lilley’s career has gracefully unfurled in the lush jazz landscape, revealing a rich amalgamation of musical influences and experiences. With the release of his third album, Three, he continues to evolve, melding his past influences with his present musical ideations, resulting in a work that is both a nod to tradition and a step towards unexplored territory.
Shannon reviewed his multifaceted album Follow Up in 2021 (READ REVIEW), and now I have the pleasure of exploring Lilley’s Three. The bold trio—Lilley on piano, Mark Diamond on [...]
Orrin Evans opens the door to the hallowed heritage of jazz that has emerged into today’s modern jazz, an album that pays tribute to his lineage and his faction of musicians, The Red Door. Released on the Smoke Sessions Records, this album is a collection of originals and arrangements that traverses an expedition of styles to stimulate the senses and challenge conventions.
Opening with the title track, “The Red Door,” the listener is instantly catapulted into Evans’ universe, which is familiar with jazz history and unique in the [...]
The compositional stylings of Joe LoCascio come to life in a sonic tapestry that was meticulously composed for this album with this ensemble. However, LoCascio admits to pushing the limits of his own artistry in his eighteenth recording, Book of Days. Therefore, this offering can only be described as a beautiful balance of composition and improvisation.
LoCascio’s journey has been punctuated by his involvement with some of the best in jazz, names as diverse as Chet Baker and Pharoah Sanders, which has undoubtedly honed his skills to a razor’s edge. The saga [...]
