2012-03-16
Detroit native jazz violinist Maureen Choi takes her quartet into a set of familiar standards and one original. Having a violin as the lead instrument helps tremendously so the covered-so-many-times songs such as "Caravan," "Sunny" and "'Round Midnight" feel fresh. The cover of the great Etta James tune "At Last" is exquisite. Applause is also due for the lone original here, "Alegria," which makes one interested in hearing more Choi tunes in the future. There aren't many jazz violinists playing lead these days--Regina Carter is the main exception to this--so it is pleasing to see a young artist begin a career using that special instrument in such talented ways. 03/12 Michael J. J-Contemporary (violin)
CHICK COREA & GARY BURTON
The New Crystal Silence
PONCHO SANCHEZ AND HIS LATIN JAZZ BAND
LIVE IN HOLLYWOOD
RACHEL ZAMSTEEN
Bouquet
SONDRE LERCHE & THE FACES DOWN QUARTET
Duper Sessions
DON BYRON
“Do the Boomerang,” the Music of Junior Walker
Julian Lage
Arclight
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