Brad Mehldau is becoming a more interesting, more thought-provoking, more individualistic musician with each release -- breaking away from the same old models, finding new ones to integrate into his own personality. The 11 compositions on this CD were conceived on the road, and only midway through did Mehldau realize that they developed similar ideas. Which indeed they do, seizing upon repeated riffing and vamps that Keith Jarrett has explored and sending them in cogent directions. The designated ...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

Because he is based in Chicago, Brad Goode has been underpublicized, but in reality he is a great bebop trumpeter. On this set, he is teamed with a top-notch Chicago rhythm section led by the underrated pianist Jodie Christian, and the very talented Ira Sullivan, who doubles on soprano and muted trumpet. The pairing of two trumpets on Raymond Scott's "Toy Trumpet" and "Make Someone Happy" works quite well, as does the blend between Goode's trumpet and Sullivan's soprano on the ot...   [ read more ]

CD $18.98

Brad Shepik's second CD as a leader finds the New York guitarist on familiar musical ground, melding Middle Eastern folk melodies and dance rhythms with influences from modern creative jazz. The Well, like The Loan that preceded it, presents an appealing musical hybrid with inventive playing, composing, and arranging throughout. Shepik alternates between electric and acoustic guitars and saz, a stringed instrument with moveable frets that originates from Istanbul; his bandmates include saxophon...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13