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Jazz/Blues

REVIEW: Steve Davis, 'Say When' (Smoke Sessions Records)

J.J. Johnson died in 2001 at 77. One of the first trombonists to embrace bebop--if not thee first--he is to every generation since the standard-bearer of what Dinah Washington once called "that big, long, sliding thing." No one, but no one, played the 'bone like Johnson. Traversing the bridge between swing and bop, he straddled both worlds yet made his mark in each. As Steve Davis notes: "He's our Bird."
By Mike Greenblatt

  • REVIEW: David Sanborn, 'Time and The River' (Okeh Records)

    David Sanborn has followed up his terrific Quartette Humaine (2013) with a funky slice of throwaway pop and soul. Not that this, his 25th album as a leader, doesn't have its pleasures, but you'd think his deep satisfying alto tone would grace less populist fare. Sure, ex-Tower Of Power singer Larry Braggs does the 1972 Al Green version of "Can't Get Next To You" proud and loud (a #1 for The Temptations in 1969). Plus, Randy Crawford absolutely nails the Dusty Springfield version of "Windmills Of Your Mind" from the 1968 original and 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Still, most of Time Of The River has that dentist office waiting room feel.
    By Mike Greenblatt

  • Knitting Factory to Release 6 Fela Kuti Albums on Limited Edition Vinyl

    Mr. Afrobeat himself, Fela Kuti, will receive a most astounding tribute by Knitting Factory. Almost 20 years after his death, Kuti will have his works pressed on a vinyl for a limited time only.
    By Ian Holubiak