Winner of the 2007 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, Denver-based pianist Ben Markley unveils his new quintet featuring the talents of modern-trumpet genius Greg Gisbert. Well-rooted in the tradition of Bud Powell, Phineas Newborn Jr.., and Oscar Peterson, Markley's playing and compositions explore the history while always looking forward. The album's one standard, "But Beautiful," gets a delicate treatment by Markley, while the opening track, "5-20," displays his compositional strengths and piano prowess. "Ben Markley convincingly demonstrates his potential to impact the jazz scene for years to come." - Jazz Improv NY.
Guitarist Lage Lund made his first Criss Cross leader debut in 2008 with the brilliant Early Songs (CRC 1307). Paring down from a quintet to quartet, he returns with Unlikely Stories, a vibrant set of mainly original tunes with a superb supporting cast: pianist Edward Simon, bassist Ben Street and drummer Bill Stewart. The first-ever electric guitarist to attend Juilliard, Lund possesses a staggering harmonic sophistication and a singularly fluid voice as a soloist qualities that leap out on Unlikely Stories and, no doubt, on many more releases to come.
Following up on what's been called the veteran pianist's finest recording to date, 2011's "Trip the Light Fantastic," Galper and his trio offer another exhilarating set of music, further defining the very personal "rubato" style of collective performance they've developed over the last six years. From an intimate "Embraceable You," to the closing high-flying take of Sonny Rollins' "Airegin," Galper, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop, display a singular group aesthetic, fully grounded in the language of bop while always in pursuit of new possibilities. "... The high level of integration and communication the trio displays is rare and quite thrilling to experience... " - Downbeat
(2-CD set) Recorded in 1994 by the 23-piece Creative Jazz Orchestra, Anthony Braxton considers these two compositions to be his most important works. They might be called Anthony Braxton's operas, and the 20-page booklet gives full librettos of both. Although the orchestra in question is called Creative Jazz Orchestra, the music is much closer to classical/academic avant-garde than to jazz. The scope of Braxton's vision is really amazing, and this double CD is a necessary addition to the collections of Braxton's devotees.
Renowned for her extraordinary vocal prowess and songwriting skill, Carmen Lundy moves far beyond our expectations, arranging, producing, recording, mixing and playing every instrument on Solamente. Originally recorded to serve as reference demos of new compositions, the recordings so moved listeners that Lundy was persuaded to release them as they were, with every second, every note a reflection of an artist at her creative peak.
Contemporary jazz bassist and composer Mark Egan has released his 8th recording as a leader on Waver tone Records in a dynamic trio setting featuring master drummer Danny Gottlieb and brilliant pianist Mitch Forman. While Mark is best known for his work with the Pat Metheny Group, Sting, Joan Osborne, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino and Gil Evans, this recording continues with the trio featuring Marks powerful yet eloquent solo playing as well as his special ability to support and provide creative interplay for the trio. The nine stellar original instrumental compositions contain that rare combination of master musicians and creative soloing from some of the most influential contemporary improvising musicians.
Thirsty Ear would like to congratulate Mary Halvorson, Guitarist and Composer, as Fellow for the 2019 MacArthur Genius Award. Electric Fruit" alludes to the vexing encounter between nature and technology, one of the most complex issues that we face as a global society. The album brings together a powerhouse of innovators?Weasel Walter, Mary Halvorson and Peter Evans?to emphatically capture, question and explore the throes of this crucial contradiction. "Electric Fruit" is a stirring and potent recording of the dangerous confrontation between the innate and the artificial, the organic and the robotic. Each member of the trio brings their peculiarities, problems and powers to the table for a passionate discourse.
Through a trio of new recordings over the past 4 years, pianist Hal Galper has redefined himself as a player and musical visionary and created a stunning collection of bold piano trio music. With his regular working group of kindred spirits, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop, Galper again re-imagines standards and adds his own compositional voice to a set of musical explorations recorded live at the 2009 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle. "... The most complex, daring, exhilarating music of Galper's career." - Jazz Times"Hal Galper excels in his highly dramatic improvisations as a soloist... He plays wild capers; sudden flashes of brilliance tumbling over each other temperamentally, individual phrases sparkle effortlessly away... " - Mannheimer Morgen, Germany.
This is the 2nd Audio CD from the Peter Erskine New Trio, featuring jazz drumming legend Erskine with his nephew and bass phenom Damian Erskine, plus keyboard virtuoso and arranger Vardan Ovsepian (with guests Artyom Manukyan on cello & EVI master Judd Miller). 'In Praise Of Shadows' is sharing the February 17 release date with Erskine's Dr. Um Band album 'Second Opinion. ' From the gentle covers of the Japanese classic pop hit 'Sukiyaki' plus Mexican love ballad 'Marcheta,' to blistering new originals by Vardan Ovsepian and a new Erskine classic ('Each Breath'), this is an album that has something for everyone who loves good music... including a lovely bass ballad by Damian titled 'Begin Within. ' Begin the New Year with the New Trio!
MOONSHINE, the newest album from trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas' Grammy-nominated band Keystone, is an album that moves musical genres forward into uncharted territory. This groundbreaking release represents a new step in the synthesis of electronic music and jazz.
For his maiden release on Origin, Northwest bassist Jon Hamar eschews the traditional piano trio format to explore the textural, dynamic and melodic possibilities of a decidedly unconventional instrumental configuration. Bolstered by the lithe and profuse alto saxophonist, Todd DelGiudice, and the illustriously versatile Geoffrey Keezer on piano, Hamar puts forth an intelligent collection of original compositions and sagacious arrangements that highlights the alluring interplay of these three very distinct voices. "... in this collection, Hamar achieves the balance of thoughtfulness and risk-taking that characterizes the most successful jazz ventures." - Doug Ramsey
Following last year's "Hymn," which featured the Seattle bassist in an intimate trio with saxophonist Todd DelGiudice and pianist Geoff Keezer, Hamar hits here with an open-ended, double saxophone quartet. DelGiudice returns on alto and he's matched with the remarkable New York tenor saxophonist, Rich Perry, who together provide wide-ranging contrapuntal intrigue for Hamar and drummer Julian MacDonough to play against. "Idyl Wild" properly suggests the musical landscape of this new collection - a controlled burn, slow simmer, extravagance or beauty with a hint of volatility, carefree risk-taking laden with abundant opportunity.
Thirsty Ear would like to congratulate Mary Halvorson, Guitarist and Composer, as Fellow for the 2019 MacArthur Genius Award. Mary Halvorson & Jessica Pavone have collectively been featured in the New York Times, Jazz Review, the Wire, Time Out New York, Time Out Chicago, the New York Press, Jazztimes, All About Jazz, BBC and Downbeat. From the collaborative minds and nimble fingers of Mary Halvorson (Guitar, Vocals) and Jessica Pavone (Viola, Vocals) come a minimalist rendering of emotions and themes, performed with stark clarity and introspection. "Thin Air" is a presentation involving their vast talents as musicians, vocalists and poets. Their lyrics borrow from themes relating to everything from human relationships and travelling to more abstract and intangible elements. These melodies are offered in a sparse yet effervescent style that make the listener feel as though they are sitting right next to them, much like an impromptu coffeehouse performance. Both intimate and forward thinking, this release is a true example of the power of thought, through a unique blending of avant folk with jazz underpinnings.
