Linda May Han Oh's prolific career never ceases to amaze, and her ability to keep raising the bar every step of the way is nothing short of remarkable. Widely regarded as one of the luminaries of the current New York City jazz scene, which, let's face it, serves as the de facto gold standard for the rest of the world, Oh has been on a rapid ascent which has shown no sign of … [Read more...]
Linda Oh’s ‘Sun Pictures’ Live from Winter Jazz Fest 2015 (Video)
You know what still goes hard? Bassist Linda Oh's 2013 album Sun Pictures. It's an album that just doesn't quit and is as awesome a listen now as when it realese years ago. It comes to mind from time to time andn came o mind recently, particularly since Oh brought this video up of her performing at last year's Winter Jazz Fest which is particularly apt considering this year's … [Read more...]
Ben Williams Celebrates His ‘Coming of Age’ in Berlin
Known for his work in the Pat Metheny Unity Band, and the Next Collective, Ben Williams is one of those artists who represent the fresh wind that has been blowing through jazz in recent years. For the promotion of his sophomore album as a leader titled Coming of Age, Williams brought his Sound Effect quintet to Europe for an eleven-day tour. I caught the band playing A-Trane … [Read more...]
Matthew Stevens – Processional (Video)
2015 marks a new beginning for guitarist Matt Stevens. The veteran sideman to revered musicians Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Ben Williams, Esperanza Spalding and Harvey Mason is finally carving his own path as a leader. Following a run of concerts in March, Stevens put together this gem of a video for one of his compositions entitled “Processional” featuring Ben Williams on … [Read more...]
For Your Consideration: ERIMAJ’s ‘Conflict of a Man’
Houston-native drummer Jamire Williams gets around a lot. He's part of Christian Scott's quintet. He's part of legendary organist Dr. Lonnie Smith's current trio. He's head of his own group, ERIMAJ. These are collectives with which he has spent quite some time, which means there are a multitude of groups with whom he has grown a clear rapport. In relatively short order these … [Read more...]