Joe Gilman – Relativity
Like anything in life, visual art can inspire song. Joe Gilman captures that thought with Relativity (Capri Records, 2012), a set of 11 compositions that interpret the art of M.C. Escher.
Gilman, music director of the Brubeck Institute’s Fellowship Program, says, “Visual arts and music have been sympathetic forces for generations, as evidenced by Cage and Rauschenburg, Granados and Goya, Rachmaninoff and Boskin, Corea and Piccaso. The work of M.C. Escher seemed naturally appealing; his pieces all contain a unique awareness of the world that reflect his intellect and imagination.”
Accompanying the pianist are Nick Frenay on trumpet and flugelhorn, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown on tenor saxophone and bass clarinet, Zach Brown on bass and Corey Fonville on drums.
Sweet Honey In The Rock is an a cappella ensemble of African American women. Members are Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, and Shirley Childress Saxton. The group comprises a rotating cast for many years. The group name has its origin in a quotation from the Bible. From Psalm 81:16 comes the promise to a people of being fed by honey out of the rock.
Brazilian saxophonist Felipe Salles brings an international lineup to his fifth recording as a leader, Departure (Tapestry Records, 2012). The ensemble consists of musicians born in Uruguay, Germany and the United States.
A native of San Diego, pianist Danny Green is equally versed in jazz, Latin and classical music. Though mostly jazz, elements of the other styles also appear on A Thousand Ways Home (Capri Records, 2012).
Akua Allrich, a native of the District of Columbia, taps into a variety of musical styles as her influences. She has roots in blues, soul, R&B and jazz. Hints of each can be heard in Uniquely Standard, Akua Allrich Live! (2012).
It’s unthinkable that a person could experience Brazil and not get caught up in the wonder and variety of the South American nation’s culture, particularly its music. John Dukich, like many before him, got caught up – so much so that he’s created Down in Brazil (2012), co-produced with keyboardist Bob Baldwin and Brazilian percussionist Café De Silva.
Bassist Sean O’Bryan Smith injects a little soul, a little jazz, a little blues and a lot of passion with Tapestry (2012).
Boss for a day could describe guitarist Graham Dechter. A member of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Los Angeles native fronts a quartet that includes his bosses, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, for his second release as a leader, Takin’ It There (Capri Records, 2012).
