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Jazz/Blues

EXCLUSIVE: Mark O'Connor Talks Method, American Music and Summer Camp

Mark O'Connor has allotted himself the time and patience to craft an entire new perspective on American string education. A Grammy-winning composer and violin virtuoso, his ability to revolutionize an entire genre of performance teaching is unfettered. And he brings his methods to New York City for a summer camp program devoted specifically devoted to his teachings this summer.
By Ian Holubiak

  • The Jane Getter Premonition is Definitely 'On' for New Madfish Release [REVIEW]

    Is it jazz? Is it prog-rock? Is it fusion? The great thing about the Jane Getter Premonition's 'On' (Madfish) is that yes, it's all of the aforementioned...and more. In fact, I dare say that On is one of the most adventurous, complex, loveable, entertaining and profound pieces of music (for music's sake) I have had the pleasure of listening to all year. This release goes immediately into my lifetime collection of CDs (#1,241) to be heard annually (but that's an essay for another time).
    By Mike Greenblatt

  • There's 'A New Kind of Dance' by Mike Reed's People, Places & Things on 482 Music [REVIEW]

    For his sixth CD with his longstanding People, Places & Things Quartet, drummer/composer/impresario Mike Reed has concocted 'A New Kind Of Dance' (482 Music). As with previous CDs by this quartet, he has sweetened the pot again by inviting guests. This time Matthew Shipp on piano and trumpet man Marquis Hill (who makes Reed's usual two-sax attack that much more powerful) join in. The result is a wild joyride through originals and carefully chosen covers of tunes you would expect (Billy Strayhorn's "Star Crossed Lovers") and tunes you would not expect ("Fear Not of Man" by rapper Mos Def and "Markovsko Horo," a traditional Bulgarian folk dance).
    By Mike Greenblatt