Francine Witte. Winner of the 2009 Pecan Grove Press National Chapbook Competition. Copyright C 2009 by Francine Witte. All Rights reserved. Cover art: “Shreds of Blue”, Copyright C 2009 by Pecan Grove Press. ISBN: 1-978-931247-61-0. Pecan Grove Press, Box AL, 1 Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78022 Continue reading
PRAYERS AND MAD LAUGHTER is an expression of the evolutionary process we are engaged in at this point in history. It begins in the 2-dimensional world which is personal, visible, rhythmic, content-oriented, with glimpses of a world beyond. (COUNTERPOINT, 2 pianos.) It then bursts into laughter which, according to the Sufi poet Hafiz, is “the soul waking up”. (ADAM AND EVE, TAKE 2.) The laughter serves as a doorway into the multi-dimensional realm which is universal, invisible, vibrational, not bound by time or space, beyond content. Continue reading
What? You’ve never heard of Kazzrie Jaxen? Well you have but may not know it. She has been recording since 1979 but back then it was as Liz Gorrill and she did a number of releases on the Jazz Records and New Artists labels over a twenty year period. I know those recordings but I’ve never heard her as she is here. Why someone changes their name is often a many reasoned decision, but it would seem, coincidentally perhaps, that with that change came a new attack or addressing of her music – Viva la change! Here is a pianist with a strong, unequivocal attack, ideas in reserve which at times seemingly overflow themselves. And Charley Krachy seems inspired in this company, he arguably has never sounded better on recording. And credit to Don Messina and Bill Chattin for the unwavering support they provide. This was not only an unexpected surprise but a damn pleasant one too. This is exciting music. – Bob Rusch Continue reading
Eilon Paz’s 416-page coffee-table book illuminates over 130 vinyl collectors and their collections in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. With a foreword by the RZA, compelling photographic essays are paired with in-depth interviews to illustrate what motivates record collectors to keep digging for more records. Readers get an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. The book is divided into two main parts: the first features 250 full-page photos framed by captions and select quotes, while the second consists of 12 full-length interviews that delve deeper into collectors’ personal histories and vinyl troves. Continue reading
In 2005, Lewis Winn composed “Count Me In” after seeing a Basie band video. The fast-moving line that has him and Michael playing like a horn section pays homage to the swinging sound. There is an unusual element similar to a shout chorus where guitar and drums “solo” together, launching the remaining guitar solo. “So Near, So Far” had to be on my first CD because I tried but couldn’t get any band I’m in to play the tune. The guitar counter-melody is a joyous line against which to play the afro-cuban 12/8 rhythm, and the Joe Gilman lyrics gave new interpretations to the meaning of the title. Michael’s 2008 “Middle Side Topwise” uses the changes to a familiar standard as a vehicle for the bass and borrows a quote from the Simpsons for the title. Continue reading
Tribute Trio history … in 2010, the Tribute Trio formed to honor the powerful influence of jazz pianists/composers whose works compel listeners and musicians alike and helped shape the evolution of jazz. Pianist John Rangel, bassist Michael Glynn and drummer Cal Haines reached deep into the essence of this music, focusing on these legends’ original compositions. Well-versed in the vocabulary and history of jazz, the trio brought tremendous insight into their performances.
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BEST JAZZ CD 2013 NEW MEXICO MUSIC AWARDS The outcome of two years of concert performances and a sequel to the historically focused straight-ahead swinging tunes of Volume I, the new CD is perhaps more forward-looking in its theme of tributing the ideas of jazz. The original compositions are by each of the trio members, some in collaboration. They reflect both the further gelling of the trio in their dynamics and the conceptual growth of the group. Songs such as “Not So Easy” and “Horace-Play” have clear ties to styles heard in the music of Bobby Timmons and Horace Silver, but “Time” is a tribute to the flow in the changes of the great song, “Just In Time.” There is a worldly jazz concept in “A Time for Parting”. Volume II accurately displays the Tribute Trio musicians’ personal compositional styles, while still incorporating learnings from the legends. The range includes swing, ballads and some unique odd-meter tunes. Continue reading
BEST JAZZ CD 2012 NEW MEXICO MUSIC AWARDS The original compositions in this Tribute Trio debut CD were inspired by the melodies, styles, rhythms, and arrangements of some of the 11 composers tributed in the 2010-2011 concert series. Pianist and prolific composer John Rangel dedicates compositions to Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans. Bassist Michael Glynn composed two pieces dedicated to Lennie Tristano. The composer notes inside the CD jacket give insight into the connection between the tributed composer and the inspired composition. The music showcases the depth of individual musicianship and extraordinary combined dynamics of the trio gained from a solid year of delving into and performing concerts of complex works by jazz pianist/composer legends. Continue reading
Chris Weller’s Hanging Hearts formed 2013, is a dynamic musical trio dedicated to the fearless exploration of group improvisation. Their music, organic and raw, bridges the gap between jazz, rock, and experimental music. The band features it’s leader Chris Weller on tenor saxophone and compositions, Cole DeGenova on keyboards, and Devin Drobka on drums. While Chris and Cole grew up in Chicago, playing professionally in jazz and blues clubs by the age of 15, the trio was completed at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where all three members graduated. While the trio’s repertoire consists mostly of Weller’s original compositions, they are also known to deconstruct popular songs and freely improvise. Continue reading
“…plays crisply and leaves the harmonic spectrum wide open, comping only on the more tonal pieces, where its necessary. Listeners will also remember Gamble for his creative arsenal of sounds: the accelerating loop effects and the post-Hendrix sound-washes in particular.” — David Adler, All About Jazz – New York Continue reading