CD of the Month

The Front Range of Colorado is fortunate to have one of the most talented and diverse communities of musicians of the US. Moreover, musicians from other areas of the nation comment on the comradery of our musicians, a not so common occurrence. Our June CD of the Month is by a very esteemed and versatile member of our family of musicians, Max Wagner.

Sometimes even the most delicious entree can be improved by adding another ingredient. For years the Montgomery-Hermann ensemble has been entertaining audiences along the Front Range as well as in other destinations around the world, their On the Brink recording was well received and garnered numerous spins both here in Colorado and nationally.

In the liner notes of the new recording of Federico Britos, NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera states, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like Federico Britos, a musician so versatile and charismatic that he’ll get called for a dance, an operetta, a cocktail party, or simply to have a drink in his endearing company and chat in some Miami café.” Some poignant words from one gifted musician to another.  When he was only 5 years old in his native Montevideo, Uruguay Britos began playing violin following in his father’s footsteps.

Akua Dixon is the most accomplished cellist in jazz history. Her brand new for 2015 recording on her very own Akua’s Music label adds to her impressive list of accomplishments and to her living legacy. In 2011 Akua released Movin’ On to much critical acclaim and jazz radio airplay, her latest album, which is self-titled continues where she left off and once again raises the bar another notch. Ms.

In the beginning of his career Freddy Cole had to live in the shadow of his legendary older brother, Nat. Like his most famous sibling, Freddy as well as his other lesser known brothers Eddie & Ike all had similar timbres as Nat so each had to develop their own unique approach and style in singing. Freddy has been the most successful follower of big brother Nat King Cole. Born in Chicago Freddy began his piano lessons as an adolescent and as a teen during in post WW2 Chi-Town he would frequent many of the great jazz and blues clubs.