Articles by Jim Santella

Brian Auger's Revolution In Jazz

by Jim Santella
May 31, 2022

This interview first appeared at All About Jazz in November 2000. Born and raised in jny: London, Brian Auger came up through those crazy years in music. The 1960s were all about change. Things were being done in jazz that hadn't been considered earlier. Lifestyles and values were changing too, and that was affecting society all over the globe. Auger was cited by Melody Maker magazine back in 1964 as a rising star jazz pianist with a lot ...

Tomas Janzon: Experiences

by Jim Santella
July 21, 2011

Hanging out with straight-ahead jazz from a veteran quartet is like vacationing in an out-of-the-way place where there are no cares for weeks on end. This place would lead to feeling good and being rested for a long time. Both jazz and vacation offer rare qualities without interference, and both provide stimulating forces from the inside out.Guitarist Tomas Janzon leads his quartet on Experiences, where jazz standards receive the respect due them and improvisation serves as the focus. ...

Irene Kral: Second Chance

by Jim Santella
July 10, 2011

Singer Irene Kral (1932-1978) communicated with her audience through more than just music; she could make everyone in the room believe in what she had to say and take the message home with them for keeps. Recorded in 1975, this program of jazz standards features a nightclub performance with vocalist, acoustic piano trio and swirling emotions.The lyrics of “Second Chance," by André Previn and Dory Langdon Previn, make it clear that she believed in letting her feelings tell ...

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Couldn't Stand the Weather

by Jim Santella
July 9, 2011

Couldn't Stand the Weather is a great album which has been reissued before. But this time, there are considerable extras in the package that make it jump out and shout. Each of the two discs runs for nearly 80 minutes: disc one includes the original album and plenty of bonus tracks; while disc two contains a previously unreleased concert appearance. Extensive liner notes by Andy Aledort of Guitar World form a biography of Vaughan, and provide interesting commentary on the ...

Rufus Reid: Live in Vienna

by Jim Santella
September 4, 2010

Rufus ReidLive in ViennaQuantum Leap/MVD Visual2005 In a memorable 2005 concert performance at the Porgy and Bess jazz club in Vienna, bassist Rufus Reid's trio interpreted several of his original compositions as well as the standard “Cherokee." And what power that old chestnut emitted. With pianist Fritz Pauer and drummer John Hollenbeck, Reid tore the house down with his one-of-a-kind delivery.The veteran bassist started out in Chicago in the 1970s ...

Hanjin: Raw Jazz

by Jim Santella
December 18, 2009

With this album of vocal standards accompanied by a rhythm trio, Hanjin climbs the ladder of contemporary male jazz singers and ranks up there with the all-time best. Wordless scat singing that oozes rhythm, convincing lyric interpretations with laid-back attitude, a fine sense of humor that sparkles, and vocal acrobatics that very few will attempt give this memorable performance a boost. He's unforgettable.

Originally from Singapore, Hanjin is known throughout Southeast Asia and China for his unique delivery ...

Sonja Dunson: You Can't Buy Love

by Jim Santella
December 17, 2009

This soundtrack from Sonja Dunson's 2001 film project oozes soulful emotion with every breath. It's the kind of feel-good music that's envisioned with dim lights, a cozy sofa and plush carpet, pleasant company and a whole lot of privacy. It's feel-good music. You Can't Buy Love represents quite an achievement for the budding film director. She wrote the story, produced the film, wrote and sang a portion of the soundtrack, acted in the movie, and led a talented group of ...

The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide

by Jim Santella
August 28, 2009

The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide Scott Yanow Softcover; 280 pages ISBN: 978-087930-825-4 Backbeat Books 2008

Anyone ever asked you to list your favorite CDs for a desert island stayover? What would Tom Hanks and Wilson listen to if they had had the foresight to be prepared for their long vacation? The trouble with these desert island picks is that they can become out-of-date before they're even published. ...

Iris Ornig: New Ground

by Jim Santella
August 28, 2009

Double-bassist Iris Ornig leads a mainstream ensemble on New Ground, controlling the session's mood from the bottom and ensuring that melody flows casually. Trumpet, guitar and vocalists alternate feature roles that give the session variety. Best is her trio on “Caravan," where the bass assumes a seat-of-the-pants foundation that energizes and dresses up an old standard with class.

Trumpet and guitar come together on “New Ground" to give the quintet stepwise depth and rainbow harmony. Each instrumental voice ...

Jack Wilkins: Until It's Time

by Jim Santella
August 27, 2009

A guitarist with the kind of dexterity that Jack Wilkins shares is bound to find success in many fields, especially when based in New York, where he's surrounded by great musicians all the time. As Until It's Time features piano, bass and drums in support of Wilkins' sensual fret board articulation, much of the album relies on familiar songs and a conservative love affair with melody.Wilkins works in unison with piano, stretches out frequently, and turns his musical ...