Author Archives: Mel Minter

Live Album from Club d’Elf Layers Centuries and Cultures into Irresistible Grooves

Club d’Elf at Club Helsinki: John Medeski, Brahim Fribgane, Dean Johnston, Mike Rivard, Duke Levine, Mister Rourke. Photo by Andrew Janjigian.

Club d’Elf at Club Helsinki: John Medeski, Brahim Fribgane, Dean Johnston, Mike Rivard, Duke Levine, Mister Rourke. Photo by Andrew Janjigian.

Club d’Elf, Live at Club Helsinki (Face Pelt Records)
A Review
Now I think I know how the cobra feels as it sways hypnotically over its coiled body, hood open, eyes fixed on the charmer. When I hit Play to start up Live at Club Helsinki (Face Pelt Records), the latest release from Club d’Elf, I dropped instantly into a similar condition, completely mesmerized by the groove-based sounds—and what sounds they are. Continue reading →

Guitarist Celebrates Release of Debut Album: ‘Claudio Tolousse: The Story of, Part One’

claudio-shotClaudio Tolousse: The Story of, Part One (indie) paints a portrait of the young man as an artist, or perhaps more accurately, of the young man claiming his place in the world as an artist. Its epiphanies and self-encouragements are wrapped in energetic music that pulls from soul, R&B, pop, and rock—all enlarged by a jazz sensibility, not to mention remarkable musicianship from guitarist Claudio Tolousse and his sidemen. This Friday, Tolousse will bring together musicians from New Orleans and Albuquerque to celebrate the launch of his recording career. Continue reading →

New Releases from Carol Liebowitz/Nick Lyons and Maryanne de Prophetis

Carol Liebowitz and Nick Lyons. Photo © Stephan Schmidt..
Ron Horton, Satoshi Takeishi, Maryanne de Prophetis, Frank Kimbrough. Photo by Marielle Solan.

Fearless improvisation hallmarks two new releases: First Set, from pianist Carol Liebowitz and saxophonist Nick Lyons, and Tell a Star, from vocalist Maryanne de Prophetis. Continue reading →

Claudia Villela and Vítor Gonçalves: Alive in the Moment

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Claudia Villela

Brazilian vocalist/pianist/percussionist/composer Claudia Villela possesses several gifts rarely found together in a single person: an astonishing vocal instrument, a wide-open heart, a profound sensitivity to the present moment, and the improvisational daring to follow the music wherever it may lead her. In short, she can transport an entire room of strangers to a separate, blissful reality that leaves the everyday in the dust. My advice for anyone attending her concert with Brazilian pianist/accordionist/composer Vítor Gonçalves this week at the Outpost is to be prepared for anything and to go gladly wherever she takes you. Continue reading →

Guitarist Joshua Breakstone’s Cello Quartet: Fueled by Tunes

Joshua Breakstone. Photo by Steven Sussman.

For guitarist Joshua Breakstone, inspiration comes from the tune, and his cello quartet, inspired by a happy accident, provides an unusual vehicle for elucidating the tune’s heart. This Thursday, the quartet—with Mike Richmond (cello), Chris Conner (bass), and John Trentacosta (drums)—will explore tunes on Breakstone’s latest release, 88 (Capri Records), an homage to pianists, which has been rising on the airplay charts. Continue reading →