Monday, February 28, 2011

Mehldau Solos, Bann Debutes - Bob Stewart

The Los Angeles Times says, "(Brad)Mehldau's technical mastery can be enough to make your head spin, but the feeling is invigorating". The Financial Times gives four stars to the "enthralling album", as does The Daily Telegraph. And The Huffington Post says "what he is able to say musically as a soloist within the context of each song combined with his improvisations is simply masterful." They're all talking about "Live in Marciac" -- a new live two-CD/DVD set of a solo performance pianist Brad Mehldau gave in Marciac, France, in 2006. It includes original tunes by Mehldau as well as interpretations of songs by Kurt Cobain, Lennon/McCartney, Cole Porter, Radiohead and others.

Its IS name an anagram formed by the first letter of the last names of its members, BANN features the vibrant sounds of tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, the dynamic Israeli guitarist Oz Noy, and the driving rhythm section of bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum. The quartet makes its recording debut with "As You Like" -- showcasing the groundbreaking electro-acoustic band's inventive sound in which Noy's progressive fusion guitar and Blake's jazzy leaps soar over the percolating rhythmic foundation laid down by Anderson and Nussbaum. BANN has been touring as a unit since 2007, appearing at jazz festivals and jazz clubs throughout Europe.

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