Do you see the photo at the bottom of this post? It's a big pile of CDs. What you don't see are my hands and arms attempting to push their way to the daylight at the top of the pile. The point is this: I receive a lot of independent/small label review material each week, and some of it doesn't make it to the review desk. There are a lot of instances where I really like the music, but a review idea or angle just doesn't present itself to me. This is especially frustrating but hey, ideas are ephemeral and there are only so many hours in the day.
So...welcome to the first installment of the Jazz Tasting Menu. This idea here to give some exposure to indie and/or up & coming jazz acts and in the process, help me reach the top of the giant review pile. I'm expecting to publish a new column about twice a month, maybe more often when the pressure of the pile becomes too great.
Enjoy.
Ari Erev - About Time
No fireworks here, just some very heartfelt jazz trio music lead by Israeli pianist Ari Erev. With a mix of original compositions, Israeli songs, and selected standards (including a beautiful "Turn Out The Stars" as program closer), Erev succeeds in displaying his love of this music.
Abigail Riccards - When The Night Is New
I'm sure you're familiar with that cliché about a voice so beautiful, you wouldn't mind hearing it sing the phone book. Well, sometimes there's a whole lot of truth in that concept. When I heard her take on "You Don't Know What Love Is," I temporarily forgot who I was. Yes, Abigail Riccards is that good.
Jacintha - Jacintha Goes To Hollywood
Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
I am SOOO with you, Mark. I'm currently on deadline for six different reviews, and aside from those I've gotten 15 more jazz discs just in the past 10 days...I've not even touched most of them. And since your review palette is much broader than mine, I can't FATHOM how many you must have in that pile.
But what a neat idea for a column! I'll be watching this one.
2 - Big Geez
I wish I'd thought of this first. I guess I'll just keep staring mournfully at all my own unreviewed albums. A little guilt is good, right?
3 - Glen Boyd
Nice column Mark. Just remember, we get first dibs on all of the good stuff over at the New releases column...
love ya'!
-Glen
4 - Jordan Richardson
Great column. It's always nice to find great new jazz to listen to. I'll be checking it out from now on, Mark.