Album Reviews

Both singer and pianist here display exceptionally soulful (as well as wonderfully compatible) senses of rhythm and timing, and timing is so important in conveying the spirit of these sublime songs.

Following in the footsteps of an icon like Wes Montgomery, is a daunting prospect; Charlie Ballantine has bravely taken the first of those footsteps.

From the wonders of nature to the grittier pleasures of the city, this album encourages children (and adults) to be mindful and alert and always be ready to find the beauty in adventure everywhere around us.

For fans of top-flight Brazilian-oriented jazz, any time Adolfo is recording, that is a very good thing.

The Americana troubadour evolves into a plumber of the soul on his fine new album. I imagine him sitting back in a cracked leather easy chair, letting out a long slow breath, and surveying the haste and waste of the world around him before starting work on these songs.

Fanfare Ciocarlia's 'Onwards to Mars' continues to break all stereotypes you might have about a brass band.

If his debut is any indication, both as composer and performer, Darren English is a force to be reckoned with.

'Some Other Time' is a welcome addition to the Bill Evans canon.

While not bad, 'Paper' could benefit from less layering and stronger vocals, as well as a unifying theme.

Carpenter has always been a master of setting imagistic, earthy, poetic lyrics to deceptively simple melodies that carry emotional meaning of their own.