The Minneapolis based Atlantis Quartet of tenor saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, guitarist Zacc Harris, bassist Chris Bates, and drummer Pete Hennig have a new album out now on Shifting Paradigm Records called Hello Human. It's a collection of songs very in line with their previous work, working the modern conventions of contemporary jazz to appeasing ends and acting as a fine … [Read more...]
Black Diamond – ‘Mandala’
Compellingly making a swinging post-bop sound is a bit of an accomplishment these days. A music that can get a bit cerebral always needs an anchor but knows when to drift. Maintaining a delicate balance requires a steady hand at the wheel; it's fascinating hearing a quartet that has two, yet in Mandala, the new album from the group Black Diamond let by tenor saxophonists Artie … [Read more...]
Adam Meckler Quintet – “One Creaking Birch Tree” (Video)
In a display that largely plays out like an iTunes visualization, trumpeter Adam Meckler and his quintet roll out the new video for "One Creaking Birch Tree" off Meckler's new album, Wander. It's an album of post-bop swirliness that's certainly off this era, coasting along on Midwestern charm. It's a steady ride with mostly lengthy compositions that involve a lot of hunkering … [Read more...]