Marcus Printup gained his initial recognition for his playing with pianist Marcus Roberts’ group. His second Blue Note recording as a leader features his attractive trumpet in a quintet with Roberts, the Paul Gonsalves-inspired tenor of Stephen Riley, bassist Reuben Rogers and the young drummer Jason Marsalis. Printup at…
In this bright and accessible effort from one of the best young trumpeters on the scene, Printup mixes up originals with standards. The fact that his tunes complement works by Rodgers & Hart (“Have You Met Miss Jones”) and Fats Waller (“Ain’t Misbehavin’”) so well should key you in…
Trumpeter Marcus Printup’s debut as a leader in 1994 followed recordings as a part of the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Accompanied by four other promising musicians in the early days of their careers, including pianist Eric Reed, alto saxophonist Walter Blanding,…
Karl Denson wants you to dance to his music. That’s why the former Greyboy Allstars frontman named his first solo album Dance Lesson #2. The disc is a collection of funky, soul-driven tracks highlighted byDenson‘s fiery extended saxophone solos. Like a true student of jazz, Denson is always experimenting with new collaborations. Instead of…
Soul Manifesto is a sharp departure from the advanced post-bop of Jones’ previous Blue Note outing, The Undiscovered Few. Embracing his early funk and soul-jazz roots, Jones keeps it simple and relentlessly groovy this time, bringing on board organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, bassist Lonnie Plaxico (playing electric throughout), drummer…
This is possibly pianist Geri Allen’s most advanced release. Always a pianist with her own voice, the increasingly original Allen performs three atmospheric piano solos, including a version of Ron Carter’s “Little Waltz,” during which she adds a little bit of synthesizer. There is a duet with percussionist Cyro…
A fine example of Geri Allen’s advanced music (which holds on to tradition without merely recreating the past), this CD matches the talented pianist with veteran trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, altoist Kenny Garrett, bassist Robert Hurst, drummer Jeff Watts and percussionist Eli Fountain on group originals and two obscurities. Everyone…
Charlie Hunter is a restless musician in a dilemma. The variety of players and settings on his first several albums are testament to his restless spirit. But as his technique and confidence grow, it seems that the best showcase for his talent would be in small groups with minimal…
If it doesn’t sound like a trio, that’s because Charlie Hunter plays an eight-string guitar (five treble strings, three bass) and has apparently sold his soul to Satan in return for the ability to sound like two players at once. (There are other guitarists who play basslines with their…
After releasing Natty Dread, Charlie Hunter decided to form a new band, one without horns. The ensuing Pound For Pound features Hunter with a drummer, synthesizers, and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. Removing the horns puts Hunter’s guitar in the spotlight, and he rises to the occasion, fulfilling the promise he’s…