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)Dr. Michael White
Dancing in the Sky
Various Artists
Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All-Stars
Gerald Beckett
Oblivion
CURT RAMM, DAN MORETTI, BILL CUNLIFFE
Foundations
Various Artists
ReBop: The Savoy Remixes
WYNTON MARSALIS & MARCUS ROBERTS
TOGETHER AGAIN
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