CD Reviews

CD Reviews

With Their New Album “Hands Entwined,” Greg Hatza and Enayet Hossain Let Their Fingers Do the Talking

How often does anyone really think about their hands? They are such an indelible part of the human body, with so many functions, ranging from touching and grasping the objects of our everyday lives, to enhancing our communications via gestures, to artistic expressions that help us make sense of our world. | Read more>> Read More
CD Reviews

Phil Ravita’s New Album Oriana Evokes Sights and Sounds of Daybreak in the City

Oriana, released March 25, 2023 by Phil Ravita Jazz, is Ravita’s second album as a leader, following the highly praised 2021 album Jagged Spaces. In addition to bassist and leader Ravita, this quartet consists of Greg Small, piano; Nucleo Vega, drums; Benny Russell, saxophone; and Mark Leppo, vibe, conga; with vocalist Deidre Jennings. | Read more>> Read More
CD Reviews

Alan Blackman’s New Album, Sacred Spaces, Reflects the Beauty of Nature.

Alan Blackman and I met for the first time on a sunny morning in January at Ceremony Coffee in Mount Vernon, Baltimore. He arrived wearing a tweed cap, blue sweater, jeans, and brown shoes, giving off a somewhat cerebral vibe. We greeted one another, shook hands, and then sat down for our interview about his latest album, Sacred Spaces. | Read more>> Read More
CD Reviews

Erin Connelly: Fruitful

Erin Connelly’s debut album Fruitful is a beautiful snapshot of four talented artists caught in the moment of creation. Recorded live at Peabody Conservatory’s Joe Byrd Hall, the album features Derrick Michaels on saxophones, Tony Martucci on drums, and Zach Swanson on upright bass, and consists of just three tracks, each a fully improvised work with its own colors and textures. | Read more>> Read More