Alto saxophonist Alex LoRe is preparing to release a new album next month with his group Weirdear of pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Desmond White, and drummer Allan Mednard. Karol is LoRe's exploration of various classical composers who have inspired him over the years like Charles Ives, Maddalena Casulana, JS Bach, Julius Eastman, and more. To get what's going on, check out … [Read more...]
Glenn Zaleski – ‘Solo Vol. 1’
Pianist Glenn Zaleski has a new solo piano album out now. It's a simple affair, not too flashy or ostentatious. He's playing standards with a gentle deftness. He's not making some monumental effort like he's trying to be Keith Jarrett. However, this isn't a wholly throwaway endeavor. Yes, it's a free album available for download at his website with all the seriousness such a … [Read more...]
“Working Musician”, a 7 Episode Web Series (Video)
I’ve always been curious as to how up-and-coming jazz musicians survived in the chaos that is New York City. After spending some time there a year or so ago, I was shocked at the exorbitant prices and the constant buzzing of the populace bordering on insanity at times. I figured this would make for a fascinating reality show, or a documentary if you wanted to keep it formal. W … [Read more...]
Tomoko Omura “Roots” Quintet – “Kono Michi” Live at Studio Radio 45 (Video)
Violinist Tomoko Omura is one of those violinists you need to know. Her 2014 album, Roots, is a pure delight, expanding Japanese folk songs into new creations and she's still going strong. Check her out along with the rest of her Roots quintet of pianist and husband Glenn Zaleski, guitarist Jeff Miles, bassist Pablo Menares, and drummer Jay Sawyer play the song "Kono Michi", … [Read more...]
Nick Finzer – ‘The Chase’
Trombonist Nick Finzer's second album as a leader is a straight-ahead jazz album with some punch to it. It's a pleasure to hear these original compositions exhibit the traits of the genre so well with such vibrancy. Alongside Glenn Zaleski on piano, Lucas Pino on reeds, Alex Wintz on guitar, Dave Baron on bass and Jimmy MacBride on drums, The Chase, is a collection of songs … [Read more...]