Album Reviews

JAZZ CLASSIC OF THE MONTH Benjamin Baruch Ambrose (1896-1971) who was known as Ambrose, was one of the top British bandleaders of the late 1920s

Thelma Carpenter (1922-97) was a fine singer and a skilled actress. She performed in New York City clubs as early as 1938, was discovered by

Nat King Cole (1919-65) had such success, first as an influential jazz pianist and then as a ballad singer, that he completely overshadowed the careers

It’s a country sort of month this month, with both my review records having a hint of the wide open prairie about them. I felt

This latest Armada Jazz Band CD, titled Best Days, issued by Upbeat Recordings is a compilation of tracks from two previously issued CD’s. These were

The Pearly Gates Marching Band is a musical comedy by Dean Norman, who has published cartoons in The Syncopated Times over the years as well

Trumpeter-singer Bria Skonberg continues to stretch herself on her latest recording, What It Means. While designed partly as a tribute to New Orleans, it features

TWO RELEASES FROM JAZZOLOGY Two CDs put out by Jazzology in 2020 are well worth discovering. Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and clarinetist Evan Christopher are among

Don’t let a review where I keep my word count in check fool you. This is a remarkable album from one of our best female

I have felt at times that certain studio releases lacked emotion, the bandleader perhaps concentrating too much on the details when given what they perceive

In a life development I find most amusing I have come to be a regular contributor to what was once well known as the Village

I must be up front with you, reader, and confess that I’m no expert on jug bands—they never really piqued my interest. I guess I

This latest Armada Jazz Band CD, titled Best Days, issued by Upbeat Recordings is a compilation of tracks from two previously issued CD’s. These were

If truly obscure, truly early recordings are your pleasure you should subscribe to the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) semi-annual journal. Though their exploration

JAZZ CLASSIC OF THE MONTH George Bruns (1914-83),no relation to George Brunies, was the musical director and a major arranger for Walt Disney Studios from

Joe Mares, the younger brother of cornetist Paul Mares of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, played clarinet but did not record himself. More significantly, in

1944 was a rather busy year for pianist James P. Johnson (1894-1955). Johnson, if not the first (although he was the earliest on records), was

The brilliant clarinetist and tenor-saxophonist Ken Peplowski has largely overcome (or at least learned to live with) some very serious health problems to resume his

In her two previous recordings, The Night We Couldn’t Say Good Night and Love For Connoisseurs, Angela Verbrugge made a strong impression as both a

Reader, you know I love a good pianist. And you know I love anything to do with France. So let me cut out the fluff

I was at Oxford Lindy Exchange last weekend, where British swing supergroup The Shirt Tail Stompers provided Sunday’s live dancing soundtrack. Before their set, bandleader

The New Wonders’ Steppin’ Out is out with thirty-nine minutes of delight and ten tracks of marvelous melodies! After observing hints of this imminent project

On the first track of his first album as a leader, Bobby Hutcherson doesn’t solo until four minutes into the song. It’s “If Ever I