Jazz
Trio Infuses 'Transylvanian Folk Songs' With Mystery And Clarity
Lucian Ban, John Surman and Mat Maneri bring a fresh treatment — and musical chemistry — to the bare-bones folk transcriptions of the 20th-century Hungarian composer Béla Bartók.
Saxophonist Dayna Stephens' 'Liberty' Feels Right For The Way We're Living
The Dayna Stephens trio's improvised grace in a compact setting — where players are interdependent, but no one steps on any toes — sets a good example for life during the pandemic.
Carla Bley's Trio Brings A Scaled-Down Dynamic To 'Life Goes On'
Bley spent decades leading big bands. Now in her 80s, the jazz composer and pianist has a new album with longtime pal and partner bassist Steve Swallow and English saxophonist Andy Sheppard.
Jazz Trio's 'Pearls' Puts New-As-Can-Be Improvisations On Golden Oldies
American saxophonist Ellery Eskelin, Swiss bassist Christian Weber and German drummer Michael Griener reach back in time on their new album, improvising their way from Scott Joplin to Sweets Edison.
With 'Even Better,' Michael Formanek's Very Practical Trio Lives Up To Its Name
Though their improvising gets rowdy at times, the Very Practical Trio players don't neglect the tune when they jam. Kevin Whitehead says the ensemble's new album has a nice give and take.
Erroll Garner's 'Night At The Movies' Reissue Radiates Joy
The late jazz pianist spins out new and old melodies and cracks little musical jokes on a new series of reissues representing albums he recorded for various labels between '59 and '73.
Taylor Ho Bynum's 'Ambiguity Manifesto' Is A Playground For Jazz Improvisers
Bynum's album features nine musicians, including guitarist Mary Halvorson, a newly minted MacArthur fellow. Each improviser sings the tune — or sings around it — in their own way, in their own time.