Monday, November 15, 2010

Strings Attached - Bob

Russell Malone has been a significant figure in the jazz world for more than two decades. One of his most pivotal career-shaping experiences was as part of organist Jimmy Smith's band in the late-80s. He's also spent time working in the bands of Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Sonny Rollins, and Ron Carter among other notables. For his ninth release as a leader -- "Triple Play" -- he once again cements his reputation as a pre-eminent jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader in a piano-less trio setting with bassist David Wong and drummer Montez Coleman.

Guitarist Kevin Eubanks held one of the most coveted chairs in television for nearly 15 years as the leader of the Tonight Show band, when his muse struck and prompted him to take his axe and move on. Before taking the TV gig that boasted talents like Branford Marsalis and the venerated Doc Severinsen, Eubanks had an acclaimed recording career garnering many awards along the way. He resumes that career with "Zen Food", a new disc which finds him in the company of his favorite players, most of whom can be found jamming with him at L.A.'s famed Baked Potato.

Also out with new music, veteran drummer Louis Hayes and his Jazz Communicators, featuring pianist Mulgew Miller and vibraphonist Steve Nelson, offer up "Lou's Idea"; pianist and composer Leslie Pintchik, who first surfaced on the Manhattan jazz scene in a trio with legendary bassist Red Mitchell, unveils her third release as leader, "We're Here to Listen"; and Boston-based pianist and composer Pamela Hines presents her seventh release, "Moon Germs."

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