Fiona Apple demonstrates considerable talent on her debut album, Tidal, but it is unformed, unfocused talent. Her voice is surprisingly rich and supple for a teenager, and her jazzy, sophisticated piano playing also belies her age. Given the right material, such talents could have flourished, but she has concentrated on her own compositions, which are nowhere near as impressive as her musicianship. Most of Tidal is comprised of confessional singer/songwriter material, and while they strive to s...   [ read more ]

CD $8.54

One of many fine outings by Harold Danko for Steeplechase, this quartet session is a bit different from most of his CDs for the label, as he mostly focuses on revisiting his older compositions. With the solid tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Jeff Hirschfield rounding out this talented group, the pianist explores songs written during several different decades. His richly textured tribute "Wayne Shorter" is an excellent portrait featuring Perry, while the t...   [ read more ]

CD $18.98

Because he earns his main living as a psychiatrist, pianist Denny Zeitlin has only recorded on an irregular basis since his initial emergence on the jazz scene in 1964. In fact, other than obscure efforts for the Double Helix and 1750 Arch labels in the 1970s, this LP was Zeitlin's first recording as a leader since 1967. Fortunately, the pianist had stayed in top musical form, as can be heard on a well-rounded set which consists of five Zeitlin compositions plus Billy Strayhorn's {&"Chelsea Bri...   [ read more ]

CD $13.28