CD Reviews

[Photo courtesy of Keith Snipes] Keith Snipes is one of my favorite singers in Baltimore.  His singing reflects his roots in theatre. He always presents his songs in dramatic form, as an actor delivers a monologue.  He has a resonant voice that conveys powerful emotions ranging from love to outrage.  | Read more>> Read More

[Photo Credit: Efrain Ribeiro] After about 13 minutes into the second set of a double billing held on February 28, 2026, in the cozy confines of the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in Mt. Vernon, band leader Todd Marcus and his Jazz Orchestra basked in the glow of a standing ovation. | Read more>> Read More

Dave Ballou has spent a career cultivating a reputation as a steadfast proponent of boundary-pushing, experimental jazz, both during his years as a successful NYC freelancer and during his current tenure at Towson University, where he has served since 2004 as Professor of Music and Division Leader of the Jazz and Commercial Music Division. | Read more>> Read More

[Photo portrays the Ravita Group: Left to right: Greg Small, Phil Ravita, Deirdre Jennings, Mark Leppo, Luc Vega. In front: Paul Carr] While jogging under a beaming afternoon sun for his daily cardio, bassist/composer Phil Ravita approached an abandoned building disfigured with shattered windows. | Read more>> Read More

Sun Ra, the legendary composer, bandleader, and cosmic pioneer of improvisational might, continues to captivate audiences decades after his passing, thanks to the ongoing excavation of his vast archival material. Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank (2024), released by Resonance Records, is a newly unearthed gem from one of his most electrifying performances, captured at Baltimore’s Left Bank Jazz Society on July 23, 1978 [see related article]. | Read more>> Read More