New York Diary: Day 3
You don’t often get to hear a single artist playing in two cities 3,000 miles apart over a four-day span — I don’t, anyway. But an early start to my third day in New York allowed me to do just that.
Category: Concert Reviews
New York Diary: Day 2
I hadn’t expected to catch any live music tonight, but I was able to slip back to Smalls for a couple of late sets by two artists who have been on my radar for a while, Owen Howard and Nick Hempton…
Aug 12, 2009 | 2 comments | View Post
New York Diary: Day 1
Hey, kids! Your friendly neighborhood Jazz Observer is taking a four-day excursion to New York. There’s no better excuse to catch a load of jazz shows, and I’ll be reporting what I hear so stay tuned!
Aug 11, 2009 | 3 comments | View Post
San Jose Jazz Festival: Lionel Loueke
Lionel Loueke’s music is instantly recognizable, with a sound unlike any other in jazz. Eerie, weightless and beautiful, flashing like diamonds, enigmatic as the Sphinx.
San Jose Jazz Festival: Winard Harper
Winard Harper began his set at the San Jose Rep by clearing the air, using brushes, mallets and his own bare hands to define a serene circle. And then, without warning, he erupted.
San Jose Jazz Festival: Fil Lorenz Orchestra
The Fil Lorenz Orchestra is a bluesy big band in which loud, punchy brass gets an extra injection of soul from Hammond B3 organ for a distinctly 1960′s vibe.
Aug 09, 2009 | 2 comments | View Post
San Jose Jazz Festival: Wayne Wallace
Bringing a heavy clave beat and a funky attitude, trombonist Wayne Wallace’s band made it clear from the first note that they were here to get down. NOW.
Aug 08, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
San Jose Jazz Festival: Sylvia Cuenca
In her set at the Smith Dobson Tribute stage, Cuenca matched the elegant precision of a Swiss watch with the thumping solidity of a New York subway train.
Aug 08, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
San Jose Jazz Festival: John Calloway
Flutist John Calloway and his band Diaspora keep things hopping with a mix of breezy, feel-good vibes, block-party energy and thoughtful depth.
San Jose Jazz Festival: Nachito Herrera
At the start of his noontime set, pianist Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera directed the audience’s attention to two cups of espresso lined up next to his bench…
San Jose Jazz Festival: Harold Fethe Trio
“What’s everyone doing here so early?” asked guitarist Harold Fethe, scanning the two dozen or so faces peering out from the surrounding darkness. “We never went home!” came a giddy reply…
Haden / Hutcherson / Cables at Yoshi’s
Charlie Haden barely showed up for his trio gig last night, leaving band mates Bobby Hutcherson and George Cables to fend for themselves for most of the set.
Jun 09, 2009 | 2 comments | View Post
