… they’re both saxophonists whose multi-instrumental skills give their music textural variety and depth, something they’ve highlighted in their work as leaders

… they’re both saxophonists whose multi-instrumental skills give their music textural variety and depth, something they’ve highlighted in their work as leaders
As with earlier works, the music today continues to inculcate the avant garde but it’s also grounded in the innovations of the great modern jazz pioneers like Mr. Charlie “Bird” Parker. Jazz Artistry Now presents our “Best of …” list for 2020 recordings that reflect the positive evolution of the music and the premium state of the art in our times. Listen.
It’s no mystery why the year 2020 would prompt a good number of solo albums. And yet 2020 isn’t unique in that regard: jazz has a legacy of unaccompanied performance stretching back to Jelly Roll Morton, the stride pianists, Art Tatum and so many others.
Here are several 2020 releases that should be on everyone’s playlists. Featuring the new works of Logan Richardson, Patrick Cornelius, Arthur White and MERGE, and Marcus Lewis Big Band our Editor’s Picks cover a relatively broad modern spectrum.
These creatively conceived jazz variations on the well-known classic movements by Holst are artfully done and listening fun. Outstanding indeed.
“Whisper Of The Isolated Ones is a strong start in the career of Roger Lin, a guitarist and composer who has great potential for the future.” — Jazz Artistry Now
Artist: David Berkman Album: Plays Music By John Coltrane and Pete Seeger © Copyright 2020 – David Berkman Label: Without Records Reviewed by Scott Yanow David Berkman Plays Music by John Coltrane and Pete Seeger by David Berkman Jazz Artistry Now – Pianist David Berkman, who grew up in Cleveland, gained early experience playing in local clubs and […]
Artist: Fernando Huergo Big Band Album: The Possibility Of Change © Copyright 2020 – Fernando HuergoLabel – Outside In Music Reviewed By Scott Yanow THE POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE Jazz Artistry Now – In his career so far, bassist-composer Fernando Huergo has appeared on over 160 albums as a sideman and previously led 11 albums. Born in Cordoba, Argentina […]
EDITOR’S “Best of Jazz 2019” HERE ARE THE TWELVE ALBUMS THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERYONE’S DEVICES THE DAVID BERKMAN SEXTET album: SIX OF ONE “Musical mastery and beauty from a giant of his generation …” – Jazz Artistry Now TUCKER BROTHERS album: TWO PARTS “Fresh, enchanting, elegant, and exquisite musicality throughout …” – Jazz Artistry […]
Artist: TEDDY WILSON Album: …SESSIONS 1934-1942 © Copyright 2018 – MOSAIC RECORDS Reviewed By David R. Adler Jazz Artistry Now –There was no reason to doubt that Classic Brunswick & Columbia Teddy Wilson Sessions 1934-1942 would meet the high standard for historical boxed sets that Mosaic Records has set since its inception. Yet still, it’s […]