Jazz

One Day It WIll

Artist: 
Danny Green Trio Plus Strings
Label: 
OA2 Records

I have never listened to a full jazz album before, but this one was really excellent and I did not stop listening to it or skip through the songs. It's great to listen to while doing your homework because it keeps you focused and it isn't distracting with other sounds like vocals. However, if you like music with vocals then maybe this won't be the album for you. But you should give it a chance because it is beautiful music and the talent of these individuals to be able to put together this entire album is awesome.

Sounds Like: 
Kairos Sextet
Name: 
Sommer Yazzie
Date Reviewed: 
04/26/2018

A Humdrum Star

Artist: 
GoGo Penguin
Label: 
Blue Note Records

I would like to begin this review by stating that I am not an expert in contemporary jazz let alone jazz in general. I have listened to a few albums by some of the more well-known guys, mostly Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, but am a tenderfoot in regard to the genre of jazz. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed GoGo Penguin’s most recent album, “A Humdrum Star”. What peaked my interest about this progressive jazz trio was when Mark mentioned that artists like Kendrick Lamar were inspired by what artists like GoGo Penguin was doing.

Sounds Like: 
BadBadNotGood
Sounds Like: 
Moon Hooch
Name: 
Michael Jepson
Date Reviewed: 
04/04/2018

Opus

Artist: 
Al Di Meola
Label: 
Sheer Sound

This album is the latest offering by guitarist Al Di Meola. Al was born in 1954, and he went to Berklee. He is obviuosly a very experienced and proficient musician.

Sounds Like: 
John Williams but not really
Sounds Like: 
idk
Name: 
Nate Smith
Date Reviewed: 
03/29/2018

Everything is Recorded by Richard Russell

Artist: 
Everything is Recorded
Label: 
XL Records

Occasionally I will get into a mood where nothing and everything sounds good to listen to. If you are feeling like that and you want to listen to a little bit of everything, this album is for you.

Sounds Like: 
Kanye West
Sounds Like: 
Chance The Rapper
Name: 
Aubrie Buechting
Date Reviewed: 
03/23/2018

Drip - Single

Artist: 
Luke James
Label: 
Island Records

This single is really catchy with a funky, jazz, r&b feel. This is my first time listening to Luke James, and his voice is pleasantly smoother and higher than I expected. His voice is accompanied by a steady drum beat and electric guitar in the background. My favorite part is the second verse, where the vocals speeds up a little and you hear Luke James hit some pretty high notes with the accompanying vocals. It's followed by the long and almost dragged out hook that's repeated throughout the song.

Sounds Like: 
Childish Gambino
Name: 
Nicole Kim
Date Reviewed: 
03/22/2018

Pizazz

Artist: 
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Label: 
Self-released

I love this album so much!!! This is not what you'd expect from a band called Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, but this funky jazz will make you smile even on the worst of days. This is not their first album, and the PPPP definitely know what they're doing! "Fun in Funk" definitely puts the fun in funk! All the songs are catchy and good to sing along to, and you'll just want to get up and dance. If you're looking for something new to listen to, check out these guys and you won't regret it!

Sounds Like: 
Uptown Funk but better
Sounds Like: 
Great music
Name: 
Taylor Brestel
Date Reviewed: 
11/16/2017

New Focus on Song

Artist: 
Evan Stevenson and Konrad Wiszniewzki
Label: 
Whirlwind Recordings

Scottish-musicians Euan Stevenson (pianist) and Konrad Wiszniewzki (saxophonist) have teamed up to create a neat little album that crosses classical music with jazz, for a result that's very smooth on the ears.

Sounds Like: 
George Gershwin
Name: 
Katie Fapp
Date Reviewed: 
10/11/2017

Live At The Harlem Flophouse

Artist: 
The Goddess Lakshmi
Label: 
reneclavo2017

   This New York City Blues and Jazz group 'The Goddess Lakshmi' includes keyboardist Phil Clements, Bass, Drums, Guitar, and vocals.   'Live at the Harlem Flophouse' which is indeed a physical event and recording space in NYC, and indeed a space in which this whole album was recorded live which I love due to the snippets of intros and conversations that lead into or end in as the album unfolds, adding a depth and humanity to the album not always commonly found on blues tracks. This album is the groups th album.

Sounds Like: 
A Folk infused Etta James
Sounds Like: 
Duende like Koko Tayler
Name: 
Ellery Page
Date Reviewed: 
09/25/2017

You & I

Artist: 
ALA-NI
Label: 
Missing Piece Records

From the moment I loaded this album into my stereo and heard the first few notes of the first song I was simply blown away. ALA.NI's vocals are some of the warmest and smoothest and most delightful I've ever heard, and listening to You & I is like slipping into warm bath...for your ears. With vocals somewhere in between Billie Holliday, Judy Garland, Vera Lynn, and Edith Piaf, ALA.NI is one of the best singers I have ever heard. Ever. It's not surprising - apparently NI is related to a legendary cabaret singer, and trained in Paris. 

Sounds Like: 
Judy Garland
Sounds Like: 
Billie Holiday
Sounds Like: 
Vera Lynn
Sounds Like: 
Edith Piaf
Name: 
Katie Fapp
Date Reviewed: 
09/24/2017

Where the Gods are in Peace

Artist: 
Antibalas
Label: 
Daptone Records

The sixth studio album of Antibalas is a strong installment in their almost 20 year portfolio as a band. This album is lively, upbeat, colorful, and will sure to have you moving to its African beat influence.

Sounds Like: 
The Budos Band
Sounds Like: 
Nomo
Sounds Like: 
Daktaris
Name: 
Jaclyn Kelly
Date Reviewed: 
09/13/2017
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