Michael Levy | On The Spot | NA1024
Levyis a proficient and demanding improviser.” – Jon Morgan, Cadence Continue reading
All artists filed by last name under J, K and L :
Levyis a proficient and demanding improviser.” – Jon Morgan, Cadence Continue reading
Michael Levy reveals fresh perspectives on some jazz classics, virtually creating new identities for them in both form and feeling. The improvisational flow is allowed to cut new channels through these pieces, opening up byways and hidden crannies.” – Lois Moody, Jazz News Continue reading
Noquestion about it, this is the most challenging music on the list. This isn’t background music. You can’t put it on and walk away from it.” – Bob Snyder, WRST-FM Continue reading
“…thethree have created a weave of rich textures and colors…long strings of piano notes like pearls of water, intertwined with the lush sound of the tenor and the constant thread of the guitar winding in and out of the texture, sometimes steely and strong, othertimes vibrant and soft…” – Rigmor Alfredsson Newman, Nordstjernan, New York Continue reading
I’m not sure what most senior citizens would make of Carol Liebowitz’s renditions of the music of their lives. Liebowitz, with musical partner Andy Fite on guitar, takes this clutch of standards and twists and winds them into new shapes. What distinguishes her approach is her reverence for the words of the songs and high handedness with everything else. From the first chorus she bends the lyrics through her sweeping, melismatic improvisations. The impression is that Liebowitz is improvising the lyrics. This gives the poetry an urgent edge. I found myself hearing the lyrics afresh.“Love Me or Leave Me” is emotionally wrenching in a way I’ve never heard it. —David Dupont, Cadence Continue reading
The two instrumental voices merge satisfyingly on “317 East 32nd Street” where Gorrill offers not only a bass line, but also apt commentary for the saxophonist in cleverly obscured “Out Of Nowhere” territory. Most of the structures are familiar, but they merely serve as secure foundations for daring improvisation. Dynamics are important in such intimate music, and Liz Gorrill’s variety of touch becomes an essentialingredient in ensuring that the performances move through many layers and engender subtle shifts of mood. With all its complexity, the music maintains a momenturm and inner logic that is a tribute to the participants. “How High The Moon,” that perennial jazz racer, has its character reversed by a slow, reflective treatment in which no pet licks are used to escape hatches. A most stimulating set, at its best, perhaps, when the duo swings unselfconciously and with considerable exhilaration on “My Melancholy Baby.” — Jazz Journal, July 1991, Mark Gardner Continue reading
“NOTES FROM NEW YORK” is a sampler of the New Artists’ catalog, not so much a “greatest hits” collection, as an overview that features virtually all the talented musicians that have recorded for the label. Each of the performances rewards repeated listenings… This independent label’s future looks quite bright as it continues to infuse jazz with feeling, creativity, and fresh ideas.” — Scott Yanow, Editor, All Music Guide To Jazz. Continue reading
Sunnyoutside Press strives to publish works of the highest quality and present them in a manner that enhances the reader’s experience. Our aim is to approach the production of our work the same way a poet approaches the poem — everything has a purpose. Continue reading
I hope this record will serve to introduce Don’s genius to the many who I know will want to hear how he works. I am grateful to him for helping to bring all of my music full-circle and into complete contemporaneity.” — Henry Kuntz Continue reading
percaso production was established in 1986 by Swiss saxophonist and composer Christoph Gallio who operates the label singlehandely. percaso production is a “subjective” label not charakterized by certain musical styles, but rather a selection by director’s choice. Quality of musical expression counts; commercial determinans not. percaso production collaborates with visual artists in packaging. Danish graphic designer Anne Hoffmann places the format and image into context making the medium a message as well as the music. percaso production releases are created with utmost loving care. All in all: music produced by and for the audiophile. Continue reading