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 RuthFourplay
Silver
NOAH BAERMAN, WAYNE ESCOFFERY, AMANDA MONACO, VINNIE SPERRAZZA, HENRY LUGO
Playdate
SHANNON BRYANT
Oceano
HENRY BUTLER, STEVE BERNSTEIN AND THE HOT 9
VIPER'S DRAG
THE GODFATHERS OF GROOVE FEATURING REUBEN WILSON, BERNARD “PRETTY” PURDIE, AND GRANT GREEN JR.
The Godfathers of Groove
MATT BELSANTE
– Blame it on My Youth
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