DownBeat Reviews

Jazz

It’s All About Latin

Jul 21, 2017 1:33 PM

The making of a great jazz album is an exercise in balance, akin to cooking a gourmet dish. Too many ingredients and the food becomes unpalatable; too few, and the dish becomes…

Jazz

May 22, 2017 2:30 PM

That Feelin’
Like those old married couples who finish each other’s sentences, Mike LeDonne and his bandmates know each other so…
Jazz

May 18, 2017 11:20 AM

Corbin Andrick & Bonzo Squad
Techy fusion was never my first love, and if you think the same, this tight, explosive ensemble will likely win you…
Jazz

May 17, 2017 8:49 AM

My Foolish Heart
My Foolish Heart is the first solo album from guitarist Ralph Towner in a decade. What distinguishes this solo journey…
May 17, 2017 8:22 AM

The Transformations Suite
The Transformations Suite is a mix of theatrical poetry and jazz, played with the utmost passion and intensity.…
May 16, 2017 10:07 AM

The Purity Of The Turf
Your high expectations for this combination of musicians—pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Ron Carter and drummer…
Jazz

May 15, 2017 11:43 AM

Heritage
Born in Cameroon and blessed with perfect pitch, Richard Bona began playing balafon at age 4, quickly moving on to…
Jazz

May 5, 2017 8:29 AM

Mata Hati
Indonesian guitarist Tohpati’s Mata Hati begins with a bang. “Janger” has all the East-meets-West sizzle of a…
Jazz

May 3, 2017 7:31 AM

Somewhere In Between
Last year, saxophonist Braxton Cook left a supporting position in Christian Scott’s band to pursue his own musical…
Apr 21, 2017 9:41 AM

Infinite Distances
Drive and depth inform this meaty album by Noah Haidu, the assertive pianist and innovative composer leading its 11…
Masterpieces, Jazz

Apr 6, 2017 3:17 PM

Dream Ago
Just when the shore of song seems lost for all the fog, the voice of Gabrielle Stravelli cuts through like a lighthouse…
Mar 22, 2017 12:18 PM

Doublebass Doublevoice
The happenstance meeting of Doublebass Doublevoice came about when a 2011 gig placed bassist Steve Whipple and…