For years, I have referred to Justin Brown as a murderer. He has an adeptness at the drum kit so technically rambunctious, so particularly expressive, that one's previous thinking about what drums can do dies. This has been the clear case for years in a percussive sense, however, Brown also has this capability as a composer and bandleader, as shown in his debut album, NYEUSI, … [Read more...]
Justin Brown – “Lesson 1: DANCE” (Stream)
I've learned a few things over the years covering the players of the modern jazz scene. Amongst those characters I've encountered and heard play their craft, I knew long ago that Justin Brown is a murderer. He'll kill a drum kit. He'll kill the idea what you think a human being can do with a drum kit. He's an exceptional musician, and altogether good person, and it shows in his … [Read more...]
Vijay Iyer – ‘Far From Over’
There has always been an air of adventure about his music, but since Vijay Iyer has started releasing records on ECM, the acclaimed pianist has really been exploring. Iyer's ECM debut came in the form of the hard left turn that was Mutations in 2014 - the only Iyer album which features him composing for a string quartet. In his 2015 ECM release he reconnected his long-running … [Read more...]