Sometimes it takes a while to catch up. Case in point: Carla Bley's, Andy Sheppard's and Steve Swallow's Life Goes On. ECM released the album on Valentine's Day. But the Rifftides staff (blame me) somehow managed to overlook what would ordinarily have been a quick and enthusiastic response to a … [Read more...]

Several Rifftides readers have expressed concern that this blog has appeared infrequently of late and asked if the staff are all right. We are fine. Thank you for asking. Back to business: John Scofield brings together a pair longtime colleagues for a new collection reminding us that his … [Read more...]

Michelle Lordi,'s" Break Up With The Sound " (Cabinet Of Wonder) runs an eclectic course from Hank" Williams's heart-tugging country classic "I'm So Lonesome" to songs by Ms. Lordi herself, " plus pieces by Cole Porter and members of The Beatles. It is popular, mostly American, music that maintains … [Read more...]

Some time ago, I wrote on Rifftides, "The Czech Frantisek Uhli" is one of the greatest bassists in the world. He works frequently in the trio of his countryman pianist Emil Viklicky, another great European player about whom most Americans know little. I just ran across a brief note I made when I was … [Read more...]

Mosaic Records reports that the first release of Paul Desmond--The Complete 1975 Toronto Recordings has sold out. The seven-CD set features the former Dave Brueck Quartet alto saxophonist " with his prized Canadian rhythm section of guitarist Ed Bickert, bassist Don Thompson and drummer Jerry … [Read more...]

Matthew Shipp: The Piano Equation (Tao Forms) The dictionary defines equation as "the act of making equal." In his engrossing new solo album, pianist Matthew Shipp creates eleven new pieces of music in which the equality of his powerful hands is important to the venture's success, but not as … [Read more...]

Lee Konitz died today in a New York City hospital. He was 92. Known primarily for the individualism of his " alto saxophone work, Konitz in his later years also played soprano saxophone. Using aspects of phrasing, rhythm and tonal quality adapted from the great tenor saxophonist Lester Young, Konitz … [Read more...]

Perhaps a good way to buoy spirits in this dispiriting time is to call your attention to music that gives the Rifftides staff a lift...in hopes that it may do the same for you. Pianist and composer Ethan Iverson's recent collection" Common Practice has moments that are helpful in that regard. … [Read more...]

Canadian drummer Ernesto Cervini's Tetrahedron" manages to meld elements of contemporary electronica" with references to developments in the six decades since John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" innovations and Ornette Coleman's free jazz turned the music in new directions. Cervini enlists electric … [Read more...]

Each year, the Jazz Journalists Association recognizes musicians, writers, broadcasters and others who have made important contributions to the health and success of jazz in their parts of the United States. Here are the new honorees. For the list of 2020 heroes and their biographical sketches, … [Read more...]

The death this week of Ellis Marsalis recalls dozens of enounters with him when he was one of New Orleans' premier jazz musicians. Long before Ellis became famous as the father of Wynton, Branford, Jason and Delfeo, he established himself as a nonpareil pianist and educator. I remember hearing the … [Read more...]

Asked about his intriguing new album, west coast trumpeter Dick Titterington talked about the project's genesis during a Christmas party. Their bandleader had asked each musician to write a new composition for the occasion. Titterington says that the trio enjoyed one another and the resulting … [Read more...]