Bob Mintzer and WDR Big Band Cologne – Soundscapes(Jazzline D77082. Album Review by Frank Griffith) Arranger/composer and saxophonist Bob Mintzer‘s latest offering was recorded in 2019 with the WDR Big Band in […]
Uptown Jazz Tentet – What’s Next (Irabbagast Records. CD review by Frank Griffith) The Uptown Jazz Tentet is a NYC-based ten-piece ensemble led collectively by trumpeter Brandon Lee and trombonists Willie Applewhite […]
Sammy Nestico (1924-2021) passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 96. Four bandleaders and arrangers pay tribute to one of the best-known (and most frequently-played) big band arrangers: Denny Ilett: […]
Bill Warfield and the Hell’s Kitchen Funk Orchestra – Smile (Planet Arts Network. CD Review by Frank Griffith) Seasoned and skilled NYC trumpeter and composer/arranger Bill Warfield, has just released Smile featuring the […]
Frank Griffith writes in tribute to Lennie Niehaus: Lennie Niehaus, alto saxophonist, composer/arranger and scorer of twelve Clint Eastwood films has died at the age of 91. A consummate polymath of the […]
CHBO Drums – 0419NY (Safehouse 194660755995. CD review by Frank Griffith) 0419NY was recorded in April 2019 in Kerhonkson in New York state (hence the title), 80 miles North of NYC, and […]
Paul Nedzela – Introducing Paul Nedzela (Outside In Music OIM 1915. CD review by Frank Griffith) Baritone saxophonist Paul Nedzela‘s debut recording showcases his eloquent yet gritty playing. There are nine original […]
Peter Slavid previews this year’s eighth Liverpool International Jazz Festival. It will be his first visit to the festival. He picks a double bill of Martin Archer’s Anthropology Band and Moonmot as […]
Joy Ellis – Dwell (Otio CD002. CD review by Frank Griffith) Pianist, singer and composer Joy Ellis‘ second release, Dwell, is now out on the Otio label. Since graduating from the Guildhall […]
Boptet and Steve Fishwick Nonet (Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Bar. 23 November 2019. BOPFEST/EFG LJF. Review by Frank Griffith) Much flying Bopster-ity and beyond was to be heard during the seven days of […]
Lorne Lofsky Quartet with Lauren Bush – The Chet Stream (Pizza Express Dean Street. EFG London Jazz Festival. 24 November 2019. Review by Frank Griffith) Legendary Canadian guitarist Lorne Lofsky was making his first visit to […]
Rich Perry – Other Matters (SteepleChase SCCD 31876. CD Review by Frank Griffith) Other Matters is tenor saxophonist Rich Perry‘s 25th release for Steeplechase, a label which he has been recording with […]
Eliane Elias – Love Stories (Concord Jazz. CD review by Frank Griffith) Eliane Elias‘ new album Love Stories is imbued with lush arrangements and unrelenting passion that marks all of her work. […]
Charles Pillow Large Ensemble – Electric Miles (Mama Records MAA 1005. CD review by Frank Griffith Charles Pillow leads his New York City-based Large Ensemble on his 2018 CD, Electric Miles. In his […]
Electric Lady Big Band – Electric Lady Big Band (www.electricladybigband.bandcamp.com. CD review by Frank Griffith) To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s last studio album, Electric Ladyland (1968) guitarist, vocalist and […]
