"Livio is an amazing example of playing with all three elements intact, intellect, passion and soul. He writes and performs in that rare balance of precision and yet freedom. This record perfectly captures Livio’s energy in all three elements." - Arturo O’Farrill
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Music Review: Sundae + Mr. Goessl – ‘Makes My Heart Sway’
'Makes My Heart Sway' is Sundae + Mr. Goessl’s newest album. A follow-up to their debut 'Cheek to Cheek' (2014), it features a moody and diverse palette.
Read More »Music Review: Kamran Ince – ‘Passion and Dreams’
The influence of Turkish music on Turkish-American composer Karman Ince's work brightens his intriguing, rewarding, and often fun pieces with vivid color.
Read More »Music Review: Corey Kendrick Trio – ‘Rootless’
The Corey Kendrick Trio combines the infectious swing of the Oscar Peterson Trio and the intricate interaction of the Bill Evans Trio with a modern harmonic sensibility to create a truly dynamic group sound. Established while studying under Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State, the Corey Kendrick Trio has developed their melody-driven, straight-ahead sound over two and a half years of extensive performing.
Read More »Concert Review: The 2016 Summerfest Concert Series on the Plaza (DC Area): Magic! and Other Popular Artists
Relatively new in the music scene, the Summerfest Concert Series on the Plaza is not to be missed.
Read More »Interview: Talking About Music with Composer Bear McCreary
One-on-one with film and television composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead, Outlander, etc.)
Read More »Music Review: Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – ‘Portraits and Places’
After years of writing for Dave Liebman’s Big Band, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, Bill Mobley’s Smoke Big Band, and the BMI Jazz Composers Orchestra, brassman/composer Scott Reeves launched his own 16-piece jazz orchestra in 2008. Their 2016 debut release, Portraits and Places, features seven Reeves originals, along with his arrangement of Jobim’s, “Waters of March.” He has forged an original compositional style which All About Jazz described as “varied and substantial, ranging from hard bop and Latin oriented themes...to French impressionist influences. His arrangements are restless, full of color, and provide ample solo space...amidst variable underpinnings.”
Read More »Music Review: Sound Underground – ‘Quiet Spaces’
True to Wayne Shorter’s mantra, a spirit of curiosity permeates 'Quiet Spaces.' From beginning to end, the trio leaves no stone unturned. They question the tuneful themes of the opening “Tiny Kingdom” and the title track “Quiet Spaces,” reshaping them through wide emotional landscapes. On “Awake With A Start” they examine the moment of being startled and discover its multitude of hues in Leon’s playful solo. Indeed, the three seem to find inspiration in the most unexpected of places. This is most apparent in the two-part “$2.43 Regular Unleaded,” which takes the hocketing beeps from a car door and a gas pump on a dizzying, mechanistic joy ride.
Read More »Music Review: Chris Hajian – ‘The Infiltrator’ (Original Motion Picture Score)
Composer Chris Hajian meets the challenge of creating an original, non-orchestral film score, though the short running time might leave some listeners yearning for more.
Read More »Music Review: Steve Conte – ‘International Cover Up’
Steve Conte's 'International Cover Up' is a sheer listening pleasure.
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