jazz2love

Album:  Motherhood Artist:  Brenda Earl Stokes Label:  Self-Released Website:  https://brendaearle.com brendaearlestokes.bandcamp.com/album/motherhood facebook.com/BrendaEarleStokes youtube.com/brendaearlestokes IG: @brendaearlestokes Pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes returns with her sixth release as a leader entitled Motherhood .  The recording is an assortment of ten original compositions that explore the private side of being mother, examining identity, fear, expectations, body image, friendship, and growth. Performing in New York City opened her up to a talented pool of musicians, some of whom play on the disc, including bassist Evan Gregor, drummer Ross Pederson, and special guest, renowned trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.  Also appearing on the arrangements are vocalists Melissa Stylianou and Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis on backing vocals. Although Stokes's repertoire is rooted in jazz, she drew additional inspiration from singe...

Album:  Rainbow Baby Artist:  Cathlene Pineda Label:  Orenda Records Website:  http://www.cathlenepineda.com Rainbow Baby from pianist, composer and bandleader Cathlene Pineda combines personal reflections with a classical flare.  Earning a master’s degree in jazz piano and composition from CalArts, Pineda charms audiences with her music, melodically woven and elegantly strewn. Pineda plays with such gentleness that the listener is consumed by the calm currents.  Soaring above the baseline is the furling toots of Kris Tiner's trumpet, playing a soft serenade along "Carriers I" and coursing a frilly phrasing through "Wonder Weeks."  The trumpet provides the tracks with dimension and a narrative voice that when combined with Pineda's keys on "The Collective Memory" breathe a lively dialogue.  The balladry swells of "Milo" produce a warm lament as the twinkling glint of the keys illuminating "1Nine" give the track an uplifting...

Album:  Soliloquy Artist:  Alan Pasqua Label:  Self-Released Website:  https://alanpasqua.bandcamp.com/releases Elegant and serene, the sonic imaginings created by pianist Alan Pasqua on his recording Soliloquy are just that.  The interludes are respite, enticing the listener to enter into moments of reflections.  The compositions aren't too intense or demanding but are rather like a sweet balm on the listener's ears. The waltzing stride of the keys ruminate with a soft glint along "Lotus Blossom," glittering warmly and gliding with a regal gait.   Pasqua shows a penchant for crafting introspective moods, inviting audiences to indulge in pensive jaunts.  Listeners thoughts roam freely while engulfed in the stories emanating from Pasqua's keys.  The gentle strokes of the keys defining "In a Sentimental Mood" stroll with a casual penmanship, illuminating a torchlight glisten.  Palpably, the choreographed keys ambling across...