2008-04-04
Adonis Ross launches his debut release on his own House of Swing Records with the noted flair of many jazz percussionists. "Untouchable," released with his band, The N.O. Vaders, reaches back to his New Orleans roots. He's been a staple in the New Orleans jazz scene, earning a "Contemporary Jazz All Star" nod by New Orleans Magazine. Ross played with such notables as Harry Connick Jr. and played and arranged the score for Spike Lee's HBO documentary on Hurricane Katrina. This is the fourth solo recording from Ross, and the first in nearly a decade. The style here reaches back to the big band days with a touch of swing and bop. The band includes Rose on drums, Leon Brown on trumpet and the occasional vocals, Steve Walker on trombone, Jason Stewart on bass and Fred Sanders on piano. The album features several notable references to Brazilian composer Ivan Lins on his "Setembro" and tackles the mighty Freddie Hubbarb's "Suite Sioux." Rose contributes two pieces here with "Mellow Moods" and the short-but-sweet "Let's Get Funky." -- Daniel GraeberALON NECHUSHTAN
Words Beyond
Terence Blanchard
The Comedian
JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers
MeShell Ndegeocello
The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel
DIANA KRALL
From This Moment On
The Yohimbe Brothers
The Tao of Yo
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.