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 RuthLizz Wright
The Orchard
Sidney Jacobs
First Man
HAPPY APPLE
The Peace Between Our Companies
VARIOUS
Rumble In the Great Lakes (Best of the Detroit Jazz Fest 2007)
THE SOULJAZZ ORCHESTRA
Rising Sun
BILLY BANG QUINTET FEATURING FRANK LOWE
Above & Beyond: Live in Grand Rapids
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.