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.”
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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: Frank Catalano – ‘Bye Bye Blackbird: Blowing in from Chicago for Von and Eddie’
Jazz from musicians that talk to each other and more importantly understand one another.
Read More »Concert Review: Babymetal at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA July 15, 2016
Babymetal's fan base is understandably devout and they are growing with each show and each album. Don't be surprised if by next year they are headlining their own nights at music festivals worldwide. If you have the chance to see them, do not pass it up.
Read More »Music Blu-ray Review: Neil Young & Crazy Horse – ‘Rust Never Sleeps’
The Blu-ray of Neil Young and Crazy Horse's 'Rust Never Sleeps' concert movie is a chance to see the band at its peak and a concert film which manages to stand the test of time.
Read More »Music Review: Revolushn – ‘The Freshman’
The range of auditory flavours explored in ‘The Freshman’ make it a difficult album to categorize.
Read More »Music Review: Jordan Bennett – ‘Outcasts and Untouchables’
Jordan Bennett attempts, in ‘Outcasts and Untouchables', to bring together his love for music and his love for God.
Read More »Music Review: Armonite – ‘The Sun Is New Each Day’
‘The Sun Is New Each Day’ is a collection of well-composed, well-arranged, and well-performed highly entertaining songs.
Read More »Music Review: Todd Hunter Trio – ‘Eat, Drink, Play’
Pianist/composer Todd Hunter’s new album, 'Eat, Drink, Play,' is kind of a love letter to the classic jazz piano trio.
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