Some musicians toil for years to deliver a debut album, perhaps because composing does not come easily. A lack of confidence, or simply the financial burden of recording can also be inhibitors. Other musicians seem to hit the ground running. Liv Andrea Hauge, a pianist and composer from northern Norway belongs in the latter category. Just one week after first playing with bassist Georgia Wartel Collins and drummer August Glãnnestrand, Hauge recorded the trio on a low-key gig for friends in her living room. Pleased with the results, Hauge released Live from St. Hanshaugen (Self Produced, 2022), thirty-three minutes of music—the length of an old LP—that announced Hauge's merits as a gifted melodic composer (check out the gorgeous "Telthusbakken" on Bandcamp) and her trio as a flexible unit, one as comfortable with improvised adventure as with groove.

Liv Andrea Hauge Trio: Ville Blomster

Any release by Norma Winstone is an event and Outpost Of Dreams, her much anticipated first album since 2018's Descansado (Songs For Films) (ECM), rises to expectations. It presents her in a new duo setting with pianist Kit Downes, a star in his own right who is equally on point as an accompanist. His sensitive, empathetic playing here is a delight in itself.

Norma Winstone, Kit Downes: Outpost Of Dreams

Art Hirahara's brief, cryptic solo piano intro to "Where Do We Go?," the opening track of trumpeter/flugelhornist Josh Lawrence's album, offers little indication of what immediately follows: Lawrence's warm-toned, delectable horn surrounded by relaxed, straightforward, middling-tempo swing courtesy of bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston. This intriguing transition sets the stage for a recording that establishes a loose continuity amid changes in mood and temperament.

Josh Lawrence: Measured Response

This week's program highlights a remarkable release from clarinetist, Harry Skoler, (Red Brick Hill), featuring vibraphonist, Joel Ross, bassist, Derzon Douglas, and drummer, Johnathan Blake. Playlist. m: Tone Forest "The Mother Tree" from Tone Forest (Outside In) 0:00. Bria Skonberg "Petit Fleur" from What It Means (Cellar) 10:54. Alex Sipiagin...

New Music from Clarinetist Harry Skoler, Monika Herzog and Sheroes, and Saxophonist Willie Morris

Pianist/composer Michael Pagán's Paganova is a testament to his prowess in the jazz domain. The release elegantly blends Pagán original compositions with three masterful arrangements of post-bop classics, which are both cohesive and exhilarating. In addition to Pagán, the other members of the quintet are multi-versatile saxophonists David Chael and Michael Herrera and the rhythm section of electric and upright bassist Louie Pagan, son of Michael, and the hard-hitting drummer Ray Demarchi.

Michael Pagán: Paganova

Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

Here's the thing: Whenever I play a recording session and listen to the playback afterward, it's never as good or as bad as I thought. Meaning: If I thought I played great, I wind up being disappointed. But if I thought I played terribly, I wind up being relieved. With...

Playing Bad for Good, On Being Yourself, Communal Coating

Coral Gables, FL

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Edmond Thorne

Tragic End for South Florida Hispanic Building Tycoon Sergio Pino. Fort Lauderdale, FL - In a shocking turn of events, prominent South Florida homebuilder Sergio Pino was found dead in his Coral Gables home on Tuesday morning. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Pino died from an apparent suicide.

South Florida Tycoon Dead After FBI Raids on Homes and Office

Having a regular salary and a prestigious position would be considered as a successful achievement for many musicians. Israeli-born pianist and Amsterdam resident, Avishai Darash decided to buck the trend and gave up his position as artistic director and pianist for the innovative Marmoucha Orchestra to return to his solo career. Whilst stepping out of his comfort zone was not easy, he was now armed with knowledge gained from composing and arranging numerous albums with the orchestra and other projects. This has led to Between Hope and Despair, an album that allows him to use his arranging skills with influences from Israeli and North African traditional music, classical and jazz.

Avishai Darash: Between Hope and Despair

Finnish pianist and composer Iiro Rantala (pronounced "Ee'-ro Rahn'-tah-lah") is a grand master of jazz, classical music, and film scores; he even serves as a UN goodwill ambassador. Give him a Django Reinhardt-like gipsy swing piece, or an Art Tatum stride, or a Keith Jarrett solo improv, and he'll respond with even greater flow, tighter precision, lighter touch. It's next to impossible to offer one piece that represents his entire, must-listen-to repertoire, however, "Goldberg Variation III" captures his classically-based training and dynamic trio in just 87 seconds.

Iiro Rantala: Goldberg Variation III

New music from Israeli guitarist Daniel Weiss, Chilean drummer Cristian Tamblay, Canadian guitarist Thomas Polychuck with Simon Phillips and Morgan-Husband-Feraud. Italian bassist Alberto Rigoni with Michael Manring, Joseph Patrick Moore and The Mick Jansen Trio. We go back to 1990 with Baltimore guitarist Carl Filipiak, Chick Corea's Electrik Band and the late Bob Berg.

Daniel Weiss, Cristian Tamblay and Alberto Rigoni

New York City, NY

Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

"September Moonlight" by Tomo Sunada stands as a poignant tribute to the talented vocalist Mitsuki "Mitsukita" Aso, who was not only Sunada's long-time collaborator but also a profound influence on his music. Composed in the shadow of their final live performance together in 2020, this track premiered at that very concert, with Mitsukita giving it its evocative name shortly after its creation. Tragically, Mitsukita passed away due to illness on November 14, 2020, marking this piece as one of the last testaments to her musical legacy. Fans of Sunada and Mitsukita describe "September Moonlight" as a moving homage, resonating with a deep sense of loss and remembrance. It’s a song that not only memorializes a beloved artist but also captures the ethereal beauty of the moments shared under the ephemeral glow of a September moon. This track is a favorite among listeners, cherished for its emotional depth and the intimate story it tells of art, memory, and the unbreakable bonds we form through music.

September Moonlight by Tomo Sunada

Enjoy another installment of Mondo Jazz dedicated to the cream of the crop among the songs we have had the pleasure of listening to this year, so far!. Ben Allison "Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00. Simon Spiess Quiet Tree "Grieving Was Yesterday" Euphorbia (Intakt) 0:16.

A Few of My Favorite 2024 Jazz Things (so far), Part 2

Psychedelic rock emerged in the 1960s as a genre that pushed the boundaries of conventional rock music, embracing experimentation with sound, instrumentation, and lyrical themes. Characterized by swirling guitar riffs, trippy effects, and often surreal or introspective lyrics, psychedelic rock aimed to create a mind-altering experience for listeners. Bands like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, The Doors, and Jimi Hendrix pioneered the genre, exploring themes of consciousness, spirituality, and social change. Psychedelic rock remains influential for its innovative approach to music production and its lasting impact on the cultural and musical landscape.

15 Best Psychedelic Rock Songs of All Time

Impressionistic intro, rubato chorus, lightly swung chorus, ending. Melody by Charles Nathan, Greg Nathan arranger, piano soloist. A nearly live performance (some small edits). Home studio recording. The piano used is a small 45" Yamaha studio piano. It used to belong to Charles Nathan, composer of the melody for "In the Autumn Years." The genre is jazz-pop, with classical music influences.

In the Autumn Years by Greg Nathan

Acoustic music possesses a unique ability to captivate listeners with its raw, unfiltered sound and emotive storytelling. From intimate coffeehouse performances to iconic stadium shows, acoustic songs have etched themselves into the fabric of musical history, resonating across generations. Delving into the heart of acoustic music reveals a rich tapestry of soul-stirring melodies and poignant lyrics that transcend time and genre. In this exploration of the top 15 most popular acoustic songs of all time, we uncover the anthems that have defined moments of introspection, celebration, and connection for audiences worldwide. These songs not only showcase the technical prowess of their creators but also evoke profound emotions, making them enduring classics. Whether you’re drawn to folk, rock, or blues, the allure of acoustic music lies in its ability to strip away the layers, leaving behind melodies that linger in the mind and lyrics that speak directly to the soul. Join us on a journey through these iconic compositions, each a testament to the enduring power of acoustic storytelling in the realm of popular music.

15 Best Acoustic Songs of All Time

Even if you are new to jazz, you have likely heard "All the Things You Are" dozens of times, maybe hundreds. But you have never heard it like this. Jerome Kern's tour through the circle of fifths, catnip for improvisers, is usually played as a mid-tempo stroll or faster, but it was written as a ballad for the Broadway stage. On Live at Mezzrow (Cellar Music Group, 2024). Ken Peplowski doubles down on the concept, adopting a daringly slow tempo for a performance of almost prayerful concentration. Peplowski's breath control on the clarinet is sovereign (that A-flat held from the bridge to the final A section at 1:16!), and all the more remarkable considering his recent treatment for multiple myeloma (happily, he is in full remission). The trio of pianist Ted Rosenthal, Martin Wind on bass and drummer Willie Jones III support the clarinetist with playing of velvet subtlety.

Ken Peplowski: All the Things You Are

Nashville, TN

A small studio apartment south of Nashville was my home for a few years about ten years ago. This album is a reflection on that time and place, with an emphasis on the solitary, undistracted listening experiences I had there every evening. —John Alvey. Drummer John Alvey announces his formidable...

Nashville Drummer John Alvey Makes His Leadership Debut With 'Loft Glow,' Set For August 23 Release On Jazz Music City Records

Guitar players are musicians who masterfully wield the guitar, shaping melodies, rhythms, and emotions with their instrument. From virtuosos like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, whose electrifying solos defined rock music, to classical maestros such as Andrés Segovia and Julian Bream, guitarists span genres and styles with their technical prowess and artistic expression. Whether crafting intricate fingerstyle compositions, blazing through shredding solos, or accompanying soulful ballads, guitar players captivate audiences worldwide with their versatility and ability to evoke a spectrum of emotions. Their influence on music transcends generations, making them integral to the fabric of contemporary and classical music alike.

15 Best Guitar Players of All Time

NewsBreak

Take Five With Bassist / Composer Yosef Gutman Levitt

Yosef Gutman Levitt, born in 1979 in South Africa, grew up on a farm in Knoppieslaagte. His musical journey began with piano lessons, which he later...

Take Five With Bassist / Composer Yosef Gutman Levitt

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