2013-02-25
For his third Resonance Records release, violinist Christian Howes decided to explore the music of South and Central America, thus the title of the release, Southern Exposure. Focusing primarily on the tango, Mr. Howes has enlisted the help of accordionist, Richard Galliano. Together, with a crackerjack team on piano, drums, and bass, they tackle both original compositions and covers with equal aplomb. The tango tracks here are good. In fact, "Heavy Tango", with its plunky flourishes is awesome. The straight-up jazz pieces, ("Ta Boa, Santa?"), have increased interest as well, simply due to the choice of instruments. With Southern Exposure, Christian Howes has succeeded in making a jazz album that is somewhat avant, yet easy to listen to. Rebecca RuthAVISHAI COHEN
Continuo
Caribbean Jazz Project
Afro Bop Alliance
Bill Charlap Trio
Somewhere: The Music of Leonard Bernstein
Various Blue Note Artists
Somethin’ New
MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
Friday the 13th The Micros Play Monk
BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
Fronm The Heart
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