Reviews

Last week, while browsing at the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble, I noticed that Bill Frisell was scheduled for an appearance on Monday, August 30th. While in town for his annual two-week Village Vanguard gig with Paul Motian and Joe Lovano, Frisell is promoting his new Beautiful Dreamers CD. I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see Bill Frisell for free!

Events at Lincoln Triangle are held in a large, glass-walled room on the third floor. When I arrived a half hour before the 5pm appearance, the first two rows were already occupied by eager fans, but most of the space was empty. Frisell's guitar sat quietly upon a chair on a slightly raised stage, plugged into an amp and a few effects pedals. During the next few minutes, the room filled quickly to capacity. I had arrived just in time to get a prime seat. By the time Frisell took the stage, there was standing room only. He expressed pleasant surprise over the turnout, and was warmly appreciative.Read more

I recently was lucky enough to be invited to see Danilo Perez's latest show at the Jazz Standard. My friend is a publicist and agent, and likes to sit right in front, and so we did.

The group featured Perez, David Sanchez, a trumpeter and alto saxist new to me, plus Adam Cruz and Ben Street. The show was called 21st Century Dizzy, which mixed original compositions with VERY modern arrangements (so much so that they might as well have been originals) of songs written by or associated with Dizzy Gillespie. Even though it was clear to me that, despite this being the last of four nights, some arrangements were a bit seat-of-the-pants or were less than assured, this was not distracting and the playing was top-notch.

The thing that most struck me was Perez's presence on the stage. He is extremely emotive, and although sometimes his shoulders lift and he seems to struggle getting out of his own way (a feeling I know well as a performer), he was arguably the most engaging member of the band.Read more

My friend Eila Kaarresalo-Kasari, a reknown Finnish jazz journalist, invited me to "The Happening 2010" at Saint Peter's Church, presented by Reggie Workman's Sculptured Sounds last Friday January 8th.  Eila and her husband Heikki visit New York City for several months every winter to experience modern jazz from its source.  Friday's concert, with the legendary bassist Reggie Workman officiating, was a terrific way to kick off the year.

Some breathtaking examples of Richard Conde's jazz photography was on display in beautiful 13"x19" archival prints.  He was also in the house documenting the event.  As a photographer myself, I was particularly impressed by his talent for not only rendering the performer in exquisite detail, but capturing the essence of the music and the moment.  Check out his work.  It just doesn't stop!

The warmup act was vocalist Francina Connors with Ethan Mann (guitar), Leopoldo Fleming (percussion), and Reggie Workman (bass).  Fleming's sparse percussion of various hand drums, triangles, and chimes left Connors' beautiful voice wonderfully exposed in the reverberant sanctuary of Saint Peter's.  Workman and Mann accompanied with tasteful reservation for what was a perfect beginning.Read more