All stories by Michael Ullman on BroadwayStars

Friday, November 15, 2019

Jazz Album Review: Karl Berger and Jason Kao Hwang “Conjure” Freely by Michael Ullman

These are two practiced masters at free improvisation. I am confident that many listeners will find them as intriguing and accomplished as I do. The post Jazz Album Review: Karl Berger and J…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:24PM
Thursday, November 14, 2019

Jazz Albums Review: The ‘Season’ of Newvelle Muri — Adventurous, Sure-Footed, and Strikingly Lyrical by Michael Ullman

The sound on these discs couldn’t be more clear or precise; the music is low-key, thoughtful, and resolutely melodious. The post Jazz Albums Review: The ‘Season’ of Newvelle Muri — A…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:18PM
Monday, October 28, 2019

Jazz Album Reviews: The Music of Lerner and Loewe — Back in the Jazz Limelight? by Michael Ullman

The two new Arbors discs are intended to bring Lerner and Loewe back into the jazz mainstream. We will see what happens. But what wonderful music these two groups have produced! The post Jaz…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 01:18PM
Friday, October 25, 2019

Jazz Album Review: A Confidently Rousing “La Marseillaise” from Pianist Laszlo Gardony by Michael Ullman

One of the strengths of Laszlo Gardony’s playing is his confident insistence on what he is doing, his impressive self-assurance. The post Jazz Album Review: A Confidently Rousing “La Mar…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:48AM
Thursday, October 3, 2019

Jazz Album Review: “Zigsaw: Music of Steve Lampert” — A Complex Dream by Michael Ullman

For many listeners, Zigsaw will serve as a welcome introduction, not only to a virtuoso jazz ensemble led by an innovative leader, but to the music of composer Steve Lampert. The post Jazz A…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:33AM
Sunday, September 8, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Pianist Erroll Garner — Remastered Sessions from his Prime by Michael Ullman

Octave is issuing ten sessions ("newly restored and expanded") of Erroll Garner material from the '60s and '70s, when the popular pianist was at the height of his career. The post Jazz CD Re…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 02:48PM
Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Jazz CD Review: A “Lost” John Coltrane Recording — “Blue World” by Michael Ullman

Blue World is valuable for its pellucid recording of takes of tunes Coltrane’s fans already love. They will have to have it. The post Jazz CD Review: A “Lost” John Coltrane Recording �…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:42AM
Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Jimmy Cobb’s “This I Dig of You” — A Mainstream Delight by Michael Ullman

Nothing in this session reminds us of the age of the principals. That in itself, if not miraculous, is at least impressive. The post Jazz CD Review: Jimmy Cobb’s “This I Dig of You” �…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 04:06PM
Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Jazz Concert Review: The Montreal Jazz Festival Turns 40, Part Two by Michael Ullman

A sense of promise remains a hallmark of the Montreal Jazz Festival -- always end by looking forward.    The post Jazz Concert Review: The Montreal Jazz Festival Turns 40, Part Two appeare…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:42AM
Saturday, July 6, 2019

Jazz Concert Review: The Montreal Jazz Festival Turns 40, Part One by Michael Ullman

The Montreal Jazz Festival is overwhelming in a way, but somehow genial, and finally inspiring. The post Jazz Concert Review: The Montreal Jazz Festival Turns 40, Part One appeared first on …

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:06PM
Thursday, June 27, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Satoko Fujii’s “Confluence” — Invigorating Experiments by Michael Ullman

Satoko Fujii and Ramon Lopez are clear-eyed adventurers; this is free jazz that shimmers with inquisitive transparency. The post Jazz CD Review: Satoko Fujii’s “Confluence” — Invigor…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:48PM
Saturday, June 22, 2019

Jazz LP Review: Newvelle Records’ Sensational Season Four by Michael Ullman

These records are filled with music from some of the most intriguing and, indeed, sought after, jazz musicians playing today. The post Jazz LP Review: Newvelle Records’ Sensational Season…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:12AM
Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Ralph Peterson and the Messenger Legacy — Hard Bop, Revived by Michael Ullman

Once again, drummer Ralph Peterson pays fine homage to Art Blakey's tradition of joyous, hard-edged bashing jazz. The post Jazz CD Review: Ralph Peterson and the Messenger Legacy — Hard Bo…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 08:18AM
Thursday, May 16, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Fred Hersch with the WDR Big Band — A Composer’s Flair by Michael Ullman

Vince Mendoza’s colorful arrangements give us a welcome new way to appreciate Fred Hersch’s impressive creativity -- his amply satisfying accomplishments as a composer. The post Jazz CD …

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 08:48AM
Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Jason Palmer’s “Rhyme and Reason” — Intricate Artistry by Michael Ullman

Trumpeter Jason Palmer's mastery is of the unimposing kind, which this piano-less quartet seamlessly reflects. The post Jazz CD Review: Jason Palmer’s “Rhyme and Reason” — Intricate…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 05:57PM
Monday, February 18, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Wadada Leo Smith’s “Rosa Parks: Pure Love” — Making History Present by Michael Ullman

Rosa Parks: Pure Love is a serious, substantial, and long work, alternately harsh and calming, one that I am sure should be seen as well as heard. The post Jazz CD Review: Wadada Leo Smith&#…

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 04:42PM
Friday, January 4, 2019

Jazz CD Review: Trumpeter Jason Palmer Aptly Titled Album — “Fair Weather” by Michael Ullman

Trumpeter Jason Palmer is a master of rhythmic displacement.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:42AM
Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Jazz CD Review: The Gil Evans Orchestra — Hidden Treasures, Vol #1 by Michael Ullman

Quite properly, Miles Evans evokes rather than mimics his dad’s arrangements on this excellent disc.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:32PM
Monday, November 26, 2018

Jazz CD Review: “Long Ago and Far Away” — Together Again by Michael Ullman

This set is surely one of the finds of the year.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:42AM
Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Welcome Christian McBride’s “New Jawn” by Michael Ullman

One of the distinguishing characteristics of this set is the smart, energetic, and ever-changing, relationship between bass and drums.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:32AM
Sunday, November 4, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Daniel Carter’s “Telepathic Alliances” — Mission Accomplished by Michael Ullman

Daniel Carter's disc revolves, splendidly, around a process of self-discovery.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 08:12AM
Friday, October 26, 2018

Jazz CD Review: “Random Dances and (A)tonalities” — Ambitious Logic by Michael Ullman

Don Byron's repertoire doesn’t just focus on the bebop era -- nor is it self-consciously hip.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:06AM
Monday, October 22, 2018

Jazz CD Review: The Mark Master Ensemble — Product of a Powerhouse by Michael Ullman

The latest big band album from Mark Masters beautifully displays his eclectic tastes and deep knowledge of jazz history.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:42AM
Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Tyshawn Sorey’s “Pillars” — Like Nothing You Have Heard Before by Michael Ullman

Tyshawn Sorey flies far from his innovative masters. I hardly expected that the result would be so mesmerizing and alive.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:54AM
Monday, September 3, 2018

Film/Jazz Review: “Open Land: Meeting John Abercrombie” by Michael Ullman

This fascinating documentary should be compelling to guitarists and to jazz fans in general.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 12:36PM
Sunday, September 2, 2018

Jazz LP Review: Newvelle Records — Sounds Sweet and Clear by Michael Ullman

Newvelle Records' taste seems to be  flawless.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 11:06AM
Thursday, August 30, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Steve Turre — “The Very Thought of You” by Michael Ullman

The venerable trombonist's fine new album mostly contains ballads and features an all-star rhythm section.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 03:42PM
Saturday, August 25, 2018

Jazz CD Review: The Nels Cline 4 — Eclectic Accomplishment by Michael Ullman

This disc is mainly a showcase for guitarist Nels Cline’s compositions as well as his cleverness at commanding group improvisation.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:12AM
Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Jazz CD Review: “Maid With the Flaxen Hair” — Mandatory Listening by Michael Ullman

Every guitarist should listen carefully to this album. And then maybe some Johnny Smith.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 10:24PM
Saturday, July 28, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Ronnie Cuber — “Live at Montmartre” by Michael Ullman

Ronnie Cuber makes the high-speed acceleration sound lyrical as well as virtuosic; the band obliges with solos that come off as much more than your standard bop band running the changes.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 07:32PM
Monday, July 23, 2018

Jazz CD Review: Miguel Zenón — An Extraordinary Scholar/Composer by Michael Ullman

Miguel Zenón's extraordinary writing for strings and saxophone makes use of ever-changing textures generated out of jazz, Puerto Rican folk, and classical music.

SOURCE: The Arts Fuse at 09:36AM

All that Chat

2024-2025 BROADWAY SEASON
Jun 05, 2024: Home - Todd Haimes Theatre
Jul 11, 2024: Oh, Mary! - Lyceum Theatre
Jul 30, 2024: Job - Hayes Theater
Sep 12, 2024: The Roommate - Booth Theatre
Nov 14, 2024: Tammy Faye - Palace Theatre
Dec 12, 2024: Cult of Love - Hayes Theater
Dec 19, 2024: Gypsy - Majestic Theatre
Mar 15, 2025: Purpose - Hayes Theater
Apr 01, 2025: Glengarry Glen Ross
TBA: Titanic