Both Nolatet and OrnEtc., ensembles of inspired madness, offer complex, rambunctious music that is accessible and fun. They’re storytellers at heart, and the logic of their stories, and their joy in telling them, keep the listener connected. Located in New Orleans and Santa Fe, respectively, they offer evidence that some very interesting music is being created outside the power centers of New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Continue reading
Author Archives: Mel Minter
Celebrating Uncle Mike (aka Guitarist Michael Anthony)
Michael “Uncle Mike” Anthony
Even if you’ve never heard the name Michael Anthony, it’s very likely that you’ve heard him. A first-call fixture in Los Angeles studios for 15 years, the guitarist has played on hundreds of TV and film soundtracks, including seven years on the Carol Burnett Show, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and more than 250 Hanna-Barbera cartoons. On recordings, he’s backed stars ranging from Tony Bennett to the Beach Boys.
Since relocating to Albuquerque in 1980, Anthony has become a respected figure on the jazz scene and a venerated teacher, affectionately known to his students as Uncle Mike. The moniker perfectly captures his avuncular contribution, musical and otherwise, to his students’ lives. Two of those students, John Maestas and Claudio Tolousse, who have built successful careers as professional guitarists on the foundation of Anthony’s lessons, will honor him this Saturday evening when they present Michael Anthony: The Lineage Concert at the Outpost. Continue reading
New Releases: Edward Simon and Zoltán Székely Entwine Multiple Traditions
Both Venezuelan pianist/composer Edward Simon and Hungarian-American singer/songwriter Zoltán Székely combine different musical influences into a unique voice, but with very different results. Continue reading
Hersch and Vloeimans (Yes, Again, and with Good Reason)
I had been hesitant to review these two albums—Live in Europe from the Fred Hersch Trio and Eric & Will from Eric Vloeimans and Will Holshouser—because both Hersch and Vloeimans have been featured on this site numerous times in recent months. However, after giving both a close listen, I think it would be a disservice to you, gentle reader, not to alert you to these remarkable recordings. Continue reading
New to Me
Marike van Dijk. Photo by Kees Muizelaar.
Adrean Farrugia and Joel Frahm
Two new releases introduced me to several musicians I had not previously encountered and whose acquaintance I am happy to have made. On The Stereography Project, Vol. 2,* Dutch saxophonist and arranger Marike van Dijk presents the songs and voices of singer/songwriters Jeff Taylor and Katell Keineg in gorgeous arrangements for two pop chamber orchestras. On Blued Dharma,* pianist Adrean Farrugia and saxophonist Joel Frahm, new to me as leaders, offer an accessible and satisfying lesson on jazz duo performance. Continue reading