Two recent releases take very different roads to music that, at bottom, has a spiritual calling. Continue reading
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
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
The title of the latest from Omar Sosa and Paolo Fresu is Eros, and that god accompanies Catherine Russell through her latest release, Harlem on My Mind. Continue reading
The latest release from drummer Matt Wilson, featuring a large ensemble, and the new solo effort from pianist Kevin Zoernig have one thing in common: they both mine deep seams of emotional content. Continue reading