Jan 17 2019
Best of 2018 #13: Tim Haldeman – “Open Water As a Child”
Tim Haldeman‘s homage to Flint, Michigan was originally a project for the Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, and thankfully he shepherded it into the studio for a proper recording. It’s one of the more emotionally powerful albums of 2018. Haldeman’s sextet works from a foundation of introspection, which has its own appeal to be sure, but it’s when the ensemble builds up to a raging intensity that the stunning beauty of this album is truly unleashed. I like to drive around and listen to music, just as something I enjoy. Open Water As a Child forced me to pull to a stop on the side of the road repeatedly, just so I could fully interface with music that elicits an awed silence, remaining motionless and in reverence.
Released on Woolgathering Records.
Music from Ann Arbor, MI.
Read more on Bird is the Worm.
Mar 18 2019
Album of the Day: Ellen Rowe Octet – “Momentum: Portraits of Women in Motion”
Album: Momentum: Portraits of Women in Motion
Label: Smokin’ Sleddog Records
Favorite track: “Ain’t I A Woman”
Style: Straight-ahead
Music from: Ann Arbor, MI
What I like about it: I like how every note, every expression sounds like it’s all heart. I like how this ensemble illustrates the wide range of emotions that fall under the purview of the blues. I like how this album takes a classic sound and makes it feel brand spankin’ new… even as it feeds the soul with a nostalgia for loved Blue Note Records bop sessions. This is a recording that will snap into place with any time of day, any place, any mood, anything at all where you need something good to make everything better.
Your album personnel: Ellen Rowe (piano), Tia Fuller (alto sax), Virginia Mayhew (tenor sax), Lisa Parrott (baritone sax), Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Melissa Gardiner (trombone), Allison Miller (drums) and guests: Janelle Reichman (clarinet), Marion Hayden (bass), Marlene Rosenberg (bass).
Available at: Amazon
Listen to more of the album on the artist’s Soundcloud page.
Check out the album’s EPK on YouTube.
Be sure to check out the artist’s site.
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By davesumner • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2019 • 0 • Tags: Ann Arbor (MI), Ellen Rowe, Smokin’ Sleddog Records