Phil Markowitz

This recently reissued 1985 date has plenty of electric bombast, along with ample examples of DiMeola's piercing acoustic style. What it lacks is the energy and creative integrity that underscores DiMeola's World Sinfonia sessions and his classic Splendido Hotel. There are some pretty melodies, an entrancing moment or two, and too many interludes where it seems that something is about to happen, but things cool down or degenerate into blandness. The longer compositions drone on without establishing anything substantial, while the short pieces fade in and out, offering bits and pieces of fine playing, but nothing thematically distinguished. When the CD ends, you realize that DiMeola is an excellent technician, but nothing left any lasting impression. (AMG)

German B-3 player Jermaine Landsberger has brought a new freshness to the jazz organ. This all star session features a rare appearance by Pat Martino. "In the evolution of any instrument, there's only a handful who are really innovative. This guy's one of them. Jermaine Landsberger is a formidable artist, a master with the flame!" – Pat Martino

Wien - New York - Berlin: Die österreichische Sängerin Maria Christina hat eine spannende Reise hinter sich und das hört man. Ihre Stimme ist der Ausdruck einer hochsensiblen, offenherzigen Seele, ihre Songs haben vieles zu erzählen. Ihr Debüt Album wurde mit Joni Mitchells Frühwerken verglichen und als „Erlebnis einer Neuentdeckung“ (About Jazz) gefeiert. In ihren Liedern werde „poetisch von einer aufmerksamen, empfindsamen Chronisten erzählt“ (Concerto) und diese Poesie zieht sich auch durch ihr neues Album „Morning Swim“: Es ist eine Sammlung einzigartiger, tiefgründiger Artsongs begleitet von dem virtuosen italienischen Gitarristen Federico Casagrande. Die Musik des Duos schwebt zwischen Singer-Songwriter und Jazz, zwischen Erzählung und Improvisation. Immer wieder sorgen Maria Christinas kristallklare Stimme und das präzise Gitarrenspiel für Überraschungen, immer wieder biegt das Paar in unerwartete Richtungen ab – um am Schluss doch wieder sicher nach Hause zurück zu kehren. Eine musikalische Reise der ganz besonderen Art.

A true virtuoso of the saxophone, Nick won the Keilwerth International Saxophone Idol Competition in 2014. His stunning command of the alto saxophone is on full display on his debut release "Vagabond Soul," as well as his distinct compositional voice. Drawing from an eclectic variety of genre-spanning inspirations, Biello spins a unique and fresh sound that is all his own, communicating deeply personal stories through a sophisticated set of modern jazz. Featuring standout performances by the venerable masters Phil Markowitz (piano), John Benitez (bass), and Clarence Penn (drums), as well as rising stars Paul Jones (tenor saxophone) and Andrew Renfroe (guitar) and special guest Vincent Lionti (viola).