The Nu Band | The Dope and The Ghost | Live in Vienna | Not Two Records

Formed as a collaborative venture in 2000 The Nu Band consisting of Mark Whitecage on alto saxophone and clarinet, Lou Grassi on drums, Roy Campbell on trumpet and flugelhorn and Joe Fonda on bass explores in a very interesting way the intersection of mainstream and free jazz. It is clear that the musicians have a great respect for the jazz tradition and use that as a springboard for their compositions and improvisations on this album. “Lower East Side Blues” opens the album with a strong and deep performance, with the soloing and ensemble playing marking a fertile and earthy feel . . . This was a well played and thoroughly enjoyable album of progressive jazz that is quite accessible. The music is both thoughtful and exciting and the musicians involved have a deep sense of the jazz tradition without being beholden to it. — Tim Niland. Music and More Continue reading

The Nu Band | Live in Paris | No Buiness Records

The release of this, our fifth album, coincides with the tenth anniversary of our first concert together, in Philadephia in 2000. Thanks to all the friends, fans, promoters, and producers who have made it possible for us to continue playing, recording, and touring together all these years. It’s a privilege and pleasure for us and we look forward to sharing the next decade with all of you. — The Nu Band Continue reading

Jessica Jones Quartet | Word | NA 1045

Her Jessica Jones Quartet has been featured in the What Is Jazz? Festival at New York’s Knitting Factory and also at the Eddie Moore Jazz Festival at Yoshi’s in Oakland, in addition to performing at many Bay Area and East coast clubs, colleges and radio stations. Jessica also performs in a duet setting with her husband Tony. Word is her fourth recording as a leader and follows 2005’s Nod (New Artists Records), 2002’s Shakeup (independent release) and 1997’s Family (Nine Winds). She also performed as part of Joseph Jarman’s Lifetime Visions Orchestra on 2006’s Lifetime Visions for the Magnificent Humans. Continue reading