Not one to shy from politics, Dave Douglas’ Engage tackles a variety of hot button topics ranging from gun control to immigration. To address these issues, the bandleader assembled a collective of those at the forefront of modern avant garde jazz music including guitarist Jeff Parker, cellist Tomeka Reid, saxophonist and flautist Anna Webber, bassist Nick Dunston, and drummer … [Read more...]
Makaya McCraven – ‘Universal Beings’ (Album Review)
We've been here before, in awe of the drumming, bandleading, and exploration of Makaya McCraven. His last full-length album, In the Moment was a well-curated collection of sounds that emerged instantaneously from a multitude of configurations at the top of their game and the illustration of a Chicago scene that is building more and more love. Many of McCraven's releases are … [Read more...]
Saxophonist Daniel Rotem Releases New Single “Country of Mind” off Upcoming Album ‘Serenading the Future’ (Premiere)
The Los Angeles jazz scene has been truly effervescent as of late with more and more extremely talented musicians deciding to call the West Coast home. Among them is Israeli saxophonist Daniel Rotem, originally from Tel Aviv and now residing in LA, a product of both Berklee and the Thelonious Monk Institute. On September 28, Rotem is set to release his sophomore effort, a … [Read more...]
Matt Mayhall – ‘Tropes’
Tropes is an easy ride of an album. It hums along as shifting mood pieces. Drummer/composer Matt Mayhall in his debut release has made a particularly chill album that isn't attempting to impose but is very free to emote. In doing so, the album feels much like a film score, backing moments one could easily imagine and frame. The core of this group of Mayhall on percussion and … [Read more...]
Anthony Dean-Harris’ Favorite Jazz Albums of 2016
I had love and specific passion this year. I felt more detached, as many of my dispatches have noted over the last year but particularly in this week of assessment. I felt a listlessness about even completing this list, yet the need to communicate was still there. The need for completeness (in a task that can never be completed) still gnaws at me. I still had to express my … [Read more...]