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)RICHARD OPPENHEIM
Greenhorn In A Red State
SOMI
If the Rains Come First
MICROSCOPIC SEPTET
Friday the 13th The Micros Play Monk
Various Blue Note Artists
Somethin’ New
Jeff Lorber Fusion
Galaxy
Joris Teepe's Gronigan Art Ensemble
Jazz In Jazz Out
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