On a fizzy mix of traditional jazz (mostly originals) and standards (Gershwin, Cole Porter, Fats Waller), bebop, and classical and romantic piano music by the likes of Mozart, Chopin, and Ravel, the pianist and her trio take enormous joy in finding surprising connections.
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Music Review: Audrey Silver – ‘Very Early’
A purveyor of songs that touch the heart's yearnings, Audrey Silver will serenade listeners and put them in the mood to enjoy the world around them.
Read More »Music Review: Michael Lake – ‘The Electrik Project, Volume 1’
The songs within this collection are contemporary musical environments crafted from rhythm, synthesis, natural sounds, and voices all meticulously assembled by trombone player Michael Lake.
Read More »Interview: Music and Light – A Conversation with Bic Runga
In an exclusive interview with Blogcritics, New Zealand native and music icon Bic Runga discusses 20 years of music, her fifth LP, 'Close Your Eyes', and who she is today.
Read More »Are You Listening? 2016 in Music: Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bright Light Bright Light, David Bowie, Melanie C, Hikaru Utada, Beyoncé and more
Here are my highlights in popular music from 2016. It includes records by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bright Light Bright Light, David Bowie, Melanie C, Hikaru Utada, Beyoncé, and many more!
Read More »Music Review: Marlene VerPlanck – ‘The Mood I’m In’
From torchlight ballads to casino room swing, Marlene VerPlanck covers the spectrum of jazz standards.
Read More »Music Reviews: Jazz Roundup – El Toro, Victor & Penny, Daniel Smith
Coruscating Latin rhythms with a four-mallet attack, folk-jazz from a guitar-ukelele-vocal duo, and baroque-jazz crossover from the late bassoonist Daniel Smith
Read More »Music Review: Rik Wright’s Fundamental Forces – ‘Subtle Energy’
Wright and his band demonstrate a kinetic rapport that treads the line between jazz-based freestyle and rock band vigor, alternating between solo performances and jam-session style congruency.
Read More »Music Review: Julphan Tilapornputt – ‘Regards to You II’
Combining an intriguing mixture of influences, Tilapornputt's music features sophisticated, guitar-centric compositions that merge classical elements with jazz improvisation.
Read More »Music Review: NRBQ – ‘High Noon: A 50-Year Retrospective’
NRBQ are every bit as adventurous as they were as a young bunch of guys playing around at the Adams home some 51 years ago, even though Terry Adams stands alone as the only band member spanning the timeline from then to now. How he’s been able to hang on to the energy and charming irreverence that permeates this box of collected performances (both studio and live in concert) is a testament to his continued enthusiasm and love of music.
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