February 11, 2021 #1191

Debuts this week come from the dynamic duo from Finland, Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen. We Jazz just released an album of live performances by the saxophone/drums duet that shows off their flair and fire. English pianist Alexander Hawkins tapped free jazz great Evan Parker to feature in his large Continue Reading

February 4, 2021 #1190

This week is another of those episodes where the geographical and musical compasses take the playlist in many different directions. From the near-world of the AACM, there’s a terrific release by Wadada Leo Smith, Douglas R. Ewart and Mike Reed out on Astral Spirits. Contrasting with that are a pair Continue Reading

January 28, 2021 #1189

It has been written that Thelonious Monk was both simultaneously constructing and deconstructing his music. So taking that a step further, two Italians – trombonist Giancarlo Schiaffini and percussionist Sergio Armaroli – decided to deconstruct the deconstructor. Their new “Deconstructing Monk In Africa” is a most unusual and unique album. Continue Reading