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John Kizilarmut
Matt Otto: Umbra
by Gary Fukushima
In his 30-plus years in music, Matt Otto has, in addition to mastering improvising and training his ear to near perfection, learned to write incredibly complex compositions, challenging in every musical aspect: melodic, harmonic, rhythmic. Yet even now, his composing continues to evolve. “I feel like it's maybe less evolution than like going back to my roots," the tenor saxophonist contravenes. “I started out being a mostly free player, and I'm missing as I get older more of ...
read moreChris Hazelton: After Dark
by Jack Bowers
Imagine walking down a street After Dark, with nothing important happening, when the sound of music nearby can be heard. Pausing for a moment to listen more closely, the thought occurs that “this is really rather good; I should hang around for a while." That is exactly the vibe that Kansas City-based organist Chris Hazelton and his ensemble wish to convey on this bright and smoothly swinging album. While the untimely passing of maestro Joey DeFrancesco in ...
read moreChris Hazelton: After Dark
by Pierre Giroux
After Dark from Chris Hazelton is a mesmerizing journey into the world of nighttime musings and atmospheric melodies. Jazz musicians are creatures of the wee small hours of the morning and dimly lit streets. Accordingly, Hazelton crafts a nostalgic and contemporary experience that sets the ambience for introspection and contemplation. Joining Hazelton's B-3 organ on this journey through the realm of the night is a cohort of grit-and-shout Kansas City musicians, including baritone saxophonist Brett Jackson, ...
read moreMatt Otto: Umbra
by Dan McClenaghan
This music--nine Matt Otto originals--has the feeling of shadowy sounds. Shapes without defined borders emerge. On the opener, “Little Things," the core trio--the leader plus bassist Jeff Harshbarger and drummer John Kizilarmut--are joined by Fender Rhodes player Matt Villinger and guitarist Alex Frank. The electronic resonance gives the sound an alluring and shadowy blur, as does the guest guitarist. Saxophonist Matt Otto boasts a large discography. Notable selections include two previous Origin Records releases, 2009's Red (review here) ...
read moreArthur White and Merge: When You Find It
by Jack Bowers
Turnabout, the saying goes, is fair play. The turnabout in this case is that of saxophonist Arthur White who, after years of teaching others the precepts of jazz at the University of Missouri, Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and, most recently, as director of Jazz Studies at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA, decided the time had come to turn the tables, so to speak, and put himself “on record" as someone who can not only talk the talk ...
read moreArthur White and MERGE: When You Find It
by Jim Worsley
The spirited yet soft and melodious title track, “When You Find It," creates an early atmospheric vibe that sets the tone for what is to follow. Arthur White wastes no time in establishing his saxophone dynamics, while leaving pianist Ken Kenner a lot of room for a creative run against the understated and nourishing rhythm section of bassist Sam Copeland and drummer John Kizilarmut]]. Guitarist {{m: Mark Tonelli seamlessly negotiates their gradual build before White wraps a bow at the ...
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Little Things
From: UmbraBy John Kizilarmut
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
From: Life Is Like A SongBy John Kizilarmut
