Search Results for: Dee Miller

Ben Sidran’s album “Are We There Yet – Live at the Sunside” features a dozen tracks, with nine original compositions showcasing his unique blend of jazz and philosophical lyrics. Recorded in Paris, the album reflects Sidran’s enduring career, emphasizing his thought-provoking songs and the dynamic performances of his ensemble, despite some excessive monologues.

Meltem Ege’s album “Solitude” merges English and Turkish lyrics, reflecting her cultural roots and emotional complexity. Featuring jazz and pop elements, it includes collaborations with international musicians and showcases Ege’s dynamic vocal style. Notable tracks like “Anlayana” and “Aklinda Kalmasin” highlight her creativity, blending genres and influences seamlessly.

The album “Basie Rocks!” features Deborah Silver with The Count Basie Orchestra, blending rock music with big band jazz. It opens with a vibrant arrangement of a Rolling Stones hit and includes notable collaborations with artists like Peter Frampton and Kurt Elling, showcasing Silver’s impressive vocal style and the orchestra’s talent.

Bobby West’s album “Requiem for Mary Turner” features a poignant tribute to the lynching of Mary Turner, a victim of racial violence. With a 22-piece orchestra, West captures the emotional weight of history through evocative compositions like “Spirit Move Sunrise” and “Never Let Me Go,” showcasing healing and hope amidst despair.

Doctor Professor Leonard King collaborates with Planet D Nonet to create a live tribute album honoring Joe Williams, showcasing King’s vocal and drumming talents. The album features a range of songs, including blues and ballads, reflecting King’s deep appreciation for Williams’ artistry, while demonstrating the diverse capabilities of the ensemble.

The UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1’s album “Let the Good Times Roll” showcases jazz artistry featuring guest artists like Chris Holmes and Naomi Mauro. Produced by Grammy-winning Gregg Field, it celebrates student and faculty creativity amid budget cuts. The project honors jazz’s significance in higher education, with multiple standout performances highlighting talented musicians.

Gustavo Cortiñas’ album “The Crisis Knows No Borders” explores the ramifications of global warming through a jazz quartet. Each track addresses themes like economic disparity, resource depletion, and climate skepticism. Musically, Cortiñas creates a diverse soundscape reflecting tensions in society. The project encourages deep reflection amidst ongoing environmental challenges.

Chris Varga’s album “Breathe,” featuring musicians like Clark Sommers and Geof Bradfield, reflects his growth in Seoul’s jazz scene. The project emphasizes camaraderie among musicians and showcases Varga’s distinct style through original compositions. Notable tracks include “Durantula,” inspired by Kevin Durant, and innovative rhythm shifts that engage listeners deeply.

Bassist Rodney Jordan’s album “Memphis Blue” showcases bluesy jazz influenced by his hometown. Leading a quintet featuring talented Southern musicians, including trumpeter Melvin Jones and saxophonist Mark Sterbank, Jordan presents original compositions and standards. The album blends hard bop with soul jazz, highlighting Jordan’s musical prowess and ensemble dynamics throughout the spirited session.

The Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra’s album “Tenor Madness” pays homage to iconic saxophonists while showcasing Nashville’s finest musicians. With a mix of originals and arrangements, including a tribute to the Big Band era, the 21-member ensemble excels in collaboration, emphasizing creative leadership and ensemble dynamics over solo supremacy.

Naomi Moon Siegel’s album “Shatter the Glass Sanctuary” showcases her skills as a trombonist and composer, blending modern and free jazz with emotional depth. Each track offers unique instrumental arrangements, highlighted by contributions from her talented ensemble. Siegel’s work is influenced by personal experiences, reflecting a journey of emotional and cultural exploration. Her accolades affirm her innovative approach and contributions to jazz.

Gino Amato’s debut album “Latin Crossroads” showcases his talent as a bandleader and arranger, featuring Latin orchestrated versions of familiar songs. Collaborating with Oscar Hernandez, Amato integrates vocals, strings, and horns to deliver vibrant and emotional interpretations. The album displays a wide repertoire reflecting Amato’s diverse musical background and expertise.

Chad McCullough’s album “In These Hills, Beyond” was recorded live at North Street Cabaret in Madison, Wisconsin, during the final phase of their tour. This seasoned ensemble, featuring pianist Bram Weijters, guitarist Dave Miller, bassist John Christensen, and drummer Kobie Watkins, showcases strong chemistry and spontaneity, with McCullough’s compositions emphasizing varied moods and tempo changes.

Raul Midón’s album “Lost & Found” blends jazz, folk, pop, and soft rock, showcasing his multifaceted talent as a composer, singer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Inspired by Stevie Wonder, Midón’s work includes powerful lyrics and impressive musical arrangements, with standout tracks like “Lost & Found,” “Next Time,” and “Ocean of Doubt.”

Rose Mallett’s “Dreams Realized” showcases her unique ability to reinterpret popular songs in a jazz style, featuring a diverse repertoire and collaborations with skilled musicians. Highlights include a jazz rendition of “Ain’t Nobody,” a bluesy “Feelin’ Good,” and an emotionally charged “It’s Impossible.” Mallett’s performances convey sincere emotion and personal significance.

Bruna Black’s compelling vocals and John Finbury’s Brazilian-influenced music come together in the album “Va Revelacco.” After auditioning for “The Voice Brazil,” Black fast-tracked her career, forming the successful duo “Avua.” Introduced by producer Emilio D. Miller, their collaboration features renowned musicians and embodies fresh, provocative Brazilian jazz.

Etienne Charles’ “Creole Orchestra Featuring René Marie” fuses Caribbean influences with big band jazz, reflecting his Trinidadian heritage and memories of American music played on Trinidadian radio. The album features diverse tracks including originals, covers, and collaborations, showcasing Charles’ skill as a composer and arranger on an 80-minute, multi-artist journey.

RADAM SCHWARTZ SAXOPHONE QUARTET MUSIC Arabesque Records Radam Schwartz, composer/arranger; Marcus G. Miller, soprano saxophone; Irwin Hall, alto saxophone; Anthony Ware, tenor saxophone; Max Schweiger, baritone saxophone. GUEST ARTISTS: Micha Josephs, guitar; Carrie Jackson, vocals; Andrew Atkinson, percussion. Radam Schwartz is well-known in the jazz world as a jazz organist.  His recordings as a bandleader […]

ALLEGRA LEVY OUT OF THE QUESTION SteepleChase Records Allegra levy, vocals/lyricist/composer; Carmen Staaf, piano/Fender Rhodes; Mimi Jones, bass; Allison Miller, drums/shaker; Roxy Coss, tenor & soprano saxophones; Andrew Baird, guitar/ukulele; Aubrey Johnson, background vocals. “Are You Real?” is a tune by Benny Golson with lyrics by Allegra Levy.  This song opens Levy’s album with power […]

JOHN AMBROSINI SONGS FOR YOU Independent Label John Ambrosini, piano/vocals/keyboards/background vocals/arrangements/all piano solos; David Phelps, acoustic & electric guitars; Zachary Swansen, acoustic bass; Matt Miller, drums; Steve Finkelstein, percussion; Rich Lamb, keyboards. Randy Brecker, trumpet; Ada Rovatti & Joel Frahm, tenor saxophone; David Binney, alto saxophone; William Galison, harmonica; Brian King, vibraphone; Rich Lamb, string […]

JIM ROTONDI FINESSE Cellar Music Group Jim Rotondi, composer/producer/trumpeter; Jakub Helling, arranger/conductor; NOTES & TONES JAZZ ORCHESTRA: Mario Gonzi, co-leader/drums; Danny Grissett, piano; Karol Hodas & Tim Dunin, bass; GUEST SOLOISTS: Dick Oatts, soprano saxophone; Steve Davis, trombone;  Wolfgang Lindenthal, flute; Stefan Peindl, oboe; Julia Gutschlhofer, bassoon; Melissa Danas, horn; TRUMPETS/FLUGELHORNS: Tabias Weidinger, Markus Peachmann, […]

Ian Carey & Wood Metal Plastic Strange Arts  Slow and Steady Trumpeter and composer Ian Carey pays homage to his recently passed visual artist father, to whom the cover and jacket art of the album owes. Leveraging a grant from Intermusic SF, Carey added a string trio to his working quartet, Wood Metal Plastic, comprised […]

CHRIS ROTTMAYER BEING Shifting Paradigm Records Chris Rottmayer, piano; Rufus Reid, acoustic bass; Matt Endres, drums; Russ Johnson, trumpet/flugelhorn. This is pianist Chris Rottmayer’s fourth album release. He calls Madison, Wisconsin his home and Chris is a prolific composer, a jazz artist, and a jazz educator. This current album is the result of studying the […]

Mareike Wiening Reveal Greenleaf Music Reveal is drummer and composer, the German-based Mareike Wiening’s (Mar-eye-kuh Vee -ning) third album for Dave Douglas’s Greenleaf Music. We covered her second, 2021’s Future Memories, on these pages and much remains intact not only in terms of personnel but also in outlook, namely that her band, spread throughout the […]