Reviews | Jazz..u

Album Review: “Hounds of Mess Around” by Idiot Grins

Oakland’s celebrated R&B, Soul, and Alt-Country fusion group Idiot Grins has dropped their fifth studio album, “Hounds of Mess Around,” on March 9, 2024. This new release is a burst of exuberant energy, marked by its upbeat rhythms and carefree vibe. The band, now ...Read More

Album Review: “Reaching Out” by James McGowan Ensemble

Following the acclaim of their 2023 fusion album “Reaching In,” the James McGowan Ensemble has returned with a captivating follow-up, “Reaching Out.” This 13-piece jazz and classical powerhouse builds on its predecessor with a fresh, emotional depth. “Reaching Out” remains deeply personal, extending the ...Read More

Album Review: “Embrace Form” by Joan Torres’s All Is Fused

Joan Torres’s All Is Fused present their latest music album, “Embrace Form,” as a pivotal project in their journey. Commemorating their 10th anniversary, this unconventional jazz fusion band received a grant from the San Francisco Arts Commission during the album’s creation. This acknowledgment adds ...Read More

Music Review: “SCHOENBERG: Drei Klavierstücke, Op. 11” by Aaron Wyanski

Aaron Wyanski, a celebrated composer, pianist and musicologist based in Maine, delves deeper into the legacy of Arnold Schönberg with his latest trio of works titled “SCHOENBERG: Drei Klavierstücke, Op. 11.” Inspired by Schönberg’s pioneering atonal compositions since his youth, Wyanski explores this concept ...Read More

Album Review: “Crystal Calm Vol 2” by Theda Phoenix

Theda Phoenix, a Vancouver-based artist at the intersection of music and meditation, unveils her latest collection of intuitive music in “Crystal Calm Volume 2.” Using crystal singing bowls and ethereal vocals, Phoenix creates high-vibration soundscapes that invite listeners into transformative experiences. Following the success ...Read More

Album Review: “Psalms Symphony” by Peter Jonatan & Metropole Orkest

Jonatan’s compositions have graced performances by prestigious orchestras such as the Prague and Budapest Symphony Orchestras, alongside collaborations with groups like Lake Street Dive and the NEC Jazz Orchestra with Philharmonia Strings. Following the success of several singles performed by these orchestras, Jonatan recently ...Read More

Album Review: “Reaching In” by James McGowan Ensemble

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada-based 13-member group The James McGowan Ensemble (named after one of its namesake members) recently released a personal, introspective concept album titled “Reaching In”. It’s a story of the protagonist’s journey from loneliness, social anxiety and low self-esteem to self-awareness, acceptance and ...Read More

Album Review: “seed water sun” by The Last Optimist

Boston MA-based alternative folk artist Markus Belanger a.k.a. The Last Optimist’s latest release “seed water sun” is packed with ethereal power. This LP follows his earlier two albums titled ‘make it alright with grace,’ and ‘this moment is gone.’ Although in the past, many described his music ...Read More

Album Review: “Admiratio Magna” by Frank Clare

Prague, Czech Republic-based neoclassical piano musician and composer Frank Clare’s debut album “Admiratio Magna” showcases the artist’s love for 19th century classical music. The title “Admiratio Magna” is a Latin term that translates to “Great Surprise” in English. The album is inspired by the ...Read More

Album Review: “In The Rain Shadow” by MVI

San Francisco Bay Area, California-based progressive acoustic guitarist and composer Mark Vickness with his musical collective MVI (Acronym for Mark Vickness Interconnected) recently released his new instrumental album “In The Rain Shadow.” The power-packed themes in this dynamic album are inspired by the nature, most ...Read More

EP Review: “The Journey” by Caroline Brennan

Cape Cod, Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter Caroline Brennan is all set to release her new EP “The Journey” toward the next month end (May 2023). Produced by Jon Evans under the label of Zephyr Sound, this exciting Americana EP spreads positivity by giving out a loud and clear ...Read More

Album Review: “Hidden Gems” by Wayne Merdinger

Scottsdale, AZ-based folk rock singer, songwriter and recording artist, Wayne Merdinger released his new album “Hidden Gems” on major streaming platforms this month (April 2023), where he effortlessly transforms common human experiences and emotions into moving lyrics and beautiful melodic expressions. This amazing collection of classic ...Read More

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