In a Mellow Tone

August 19, 2019. It would’ve been more than understandable for pianist George Cables to call it quits; retirement almost certainly would’ve been the prudent, pragmatic course for the 74-year-old pianist after losing most of his left leg to a deathly serious health scare.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the most influential year in jazz, 1959. Each week we've highlighted one of the game-changing albums that left an indelible mark in jazz history, and changed the course of its future.

April 15, 2019. On trumpeter Josh Lawrence’s latest, Triptych, it’s hard to see the forest through the "threes." Of the album’s 10 tracks, nine of them are divided into three distinct suites of three-movements apiece.

February 11, 2019. Pat Bianchi, by now a bonafide jazz star in his own right, may always be thought of in the same breath as Philadelphia native, and fellow Hammond B-3 master, Joey DeFrancesco. If Bianchi’s latest album, In the Moment, is any indication, this is something he’s leaning into, as opposed to shying away from.

January 21, 2019.  Charlie Dennard doesn’t waste much time on his new album, Deep Blue, before paying homage to his adopted home. The longtime New Orleans keyboardist immediately announces a Crescent City connection, opening the album with “St. Charles Strut,” with an unmistakably New Orleanian second-line drum beat.

November 26, 2018. After 80 years of living in the same city, saxophonists Larry McKenna and Bootsie Barnes have finally recorded an album together! The More I See You is a recording of these legends playing some classic gems and originals the only way they know how – with that Philly flare.

November 5, 2018. The name Christian McBride is synonymous with Philadelphia jazz. He was born and raised here, attended the High School of Creative and Performing arts with music royalty, and acts as an ambassador of our city to the world.  New Jawn is a release for his city.

July 16, 2018. Lynne Arriale has a special relationship with the piano.  It’s apparent as soon as you hear a few bars of her playing on Give Us These Days. Double bassist Jasper Somsen and drummer Jasper van Hulton add the magic that makes this album distinct.

May 21, 2018. Renee Rosnes is one of the most accomplished pianists in jazz today. Her extensive resume is  littered with famous names, and now she's managed to release Beloved of the Sky, her seventeenth album as a bandleader. If you’re expecting to nestle in and listen to some run-of-the-mill piano jazz, don’t get too comfortable.