Tom McDermott—one of New Orleans’ most distinctive pianists and a modern-day keeper (and fanner) of the flame—moves effortlessly and with a distinctive style among ragtime, traditional jazz, R&B, and Brazilian choro, and on August 20, he will be moving onto the stage at Unit B in Santa Fe.
In the wake of the latest acclaimed release from Mustafa Stefan Dill’s Love Unfold the Sun, Explode Yourself, the ever-inventive, ever-expressive Dill (guitar, oud) brings a new free-improv quartet, Love Unfold the Moon, to the stage at Entropy Gallery in Santa Fe on July 11 to celebrate its first release, Hidden Promises in Joined Terrains, Apex Emerging. (On July 2, Love Unfold the Sun will make a much-anticipated appearance at the Outpost in Albuquerque.)
The Button Jar, the solo release from pianist and composer Yvonne Rogers, presents a singular and compelling new voice on the instrument that reflects a wisdom beyond her years.
Against the backdrop of a divided and violent America, new releases from bassist, arranger, and activist David Ambrosio and from saxophonist and composer Chris Potter touch on the potential for and the necessity of peace and justice.
Listening time has been sparse recently, but I have one good one to report on. Vocalist Catherine Russell and her excellent band have released their first live album, Live @ Jazz at Lincoln Center, and it delivers a delightful dose of Russell’s spirited interpretations of hot jazz and swing deeply rooted in the blues.
