Hey there, jazz fans. Got a new spin for you, and it’s a real treat – Jae Sinnett’s latest offering, Commitment. Now, we all know Jae Sinnett is a master of rhythm, but this album goes beyond. It’s not just about the beats; it’s about the journey, the story he’s telling with every rhythm, every pause.
Sinnett’s known for his impeccable timing on the drum set – and let me tell you, it’s the heartbeat of this album. From the first track to the last, you can feel the pulse, the life in his drumming. It’s a beat that makes [...]
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 [...]
