July 2nd was a busy albeit fulfilling evening at the 2019 Montreal International Jazz Festival, beginning with a BIGYUKI and Nate Smith + KINFOLK double-bill at the Monument National and extending to the Gesù for Butcher Brown's late-night set without the slightest opportunity for us to catch our breath in between. But this is exactly the kind of nights we've come to expect … [Read more...]
José James Returns September 28 With Bill Withers Tribute ‘Lean On Me’
Vocalist José James is back with a new album on September 28th entitled Lean On Me, a heartfelt and honest twelve song tribute to the legendary Bill Withers in honor of his 80th birthday year. What began as a touring project in 2017 evolved into a full-length release produced by Blue Note president Don Was and recorded in Capitol's legendary Studio B with a dream team band: … [Read more...]
Brad Allen Williams – ‘Lamar’
Guitarist Brad Allen Williams has an upfront quality to his style of play. There's a simple essence here with just a touch of flare without ostentatiousness. The bluesy, rootsiness of his sound certainly brings to mind the Memphis tone for which he strove with his new album, Lamar. The stripped-down essence of these songs alongside Pat Bianchi on Hammond organ and Tyshawn Sorey … [Read more...]