This fine nine-piece ensemble is essentially a traditional jazz all-star group. Featuring such luminaries as saxophonist Ray Ogilvie, trumpet player Jon-Erik Kellso, and singer Rebecca Kilgore, the band is led by trombonist Dan Barrett and covers a surprising range of jazz styles, from early New Orleans trad jazz to bebop. On this album, they focus on such classic material as Luis Russell's "Saratoga Shout," James P. Johnson's "Victory Stride," and a charmingly silly ren...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

The Chapmans encompass the best of the old and new, encompassing a healthy respect for tradition while relying on contemporary material. "Fire in the Canyon," for instance, sounds like a typical old story song about a fire that engulfs a number of households. The tragedy, however, is laced with a modern-day environmental message, stating, "Mother Nature gives us life/ But if we don't treat her right ... She can take back what she gave." "Jeanie and Tommy" tells the moralistic tale of a young co...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

Although she might be a new face on the national blues scene with this debut for the high-profile Blind Pig label, Robin Rogers is a familiar name to dedicated blues fans. She has gigged steadily in the Southeast since 1990 and has released two previous indie discs, both with her husband/guitarist Tony Rogers. In other words, she's a veteran performer, just without the catalog to prove it. Perhaps that's why she sounds so comfortable on this set dominated by originals. Her husky voice falls betwee...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13