by on

I had the honor of working with Ralph Alessi as an undergraduate at Eastman in 1996.  Coming from a relatively conservative jazz background, I hadn’t been exposed to the freedom of less-structured improvisational environments, and these new experiences drastically altered my musical world-view.  Many of the concepts Ralph and Michael Cain discussed during my time in school continue to inform my opinions and approaches to music, and I’m eternally grateful for their influence.

Ralph is joined on the recording by one of my favorite pianists, Gary Versace, who now holds the jazz piano faculty position at Eastman.  Also on this record are Drew Gress, and Nasheet Waits, again, two of my favorite musicians out there.

The music on this recording blurs the line between composition and improvisation, which in my mind is the whole point of a modern improviser’s aesthetic.  I appreciate the seemingly endless stream of ideas offered by Ralph, and his unique voice in this music is unmistakable.  Gary, Drew, and Nasheet provide beautiful accompaniments, also adding their individual voices to produce a complete work.

The music here is really amazing.

by on

Like many jazz musicians waking up this morning, I’m eternally grateful to ECM for opening their catalogue to Spotify.  This is a double-edged sword for me, as I recognize that individual album sales may drop for the company, but am thoroughly excited and inspired by the amazing music that has become available.  I’m also inspired to share some of the recordings I’ve encountered, and will encounter, in the hope that doing so will encourage more plays for the albums, for whatever that’s worth.

I’m starting with an album I haven’t heard until today, but which is really blowing me away.  Miroslav Vitous’ playing has always been great, and I’ve always been a fan.  This album wasn’t released in the US, or at least not until recently, and I’m just now finding it.  It’s great to hear Kenny Kirkland in this environment, and Vitous’ arco playing is sending me back to the shed.  Please take a listen!