Donald Harrison Has The Magic Touch

He boasts an imposing resume and has mentored and received critical acclaim from some of today’s most prominent and fastest-rising stars. American Grammy-winning pianist Eddie Palmieri calls him “a genius,” singer Jon Batiste says he’s “the greatest,” and pianist-producer Robert Glasper certifies him “a legend.” We previously introduced you to New Orleans composer Donald Harrison with the release of Congo Square Suite, which fused his … Continue reading Donald Harrison Has The Magic Touch

Crooked ForestJanuary 2, 2024January 1, 2024Leave a comment

Music Reviews

Jazzmine? Alien Feli’s latest feels more like a musical Goldmine.

With an almost animalistic nature, a lush wave of soulful blues guitars rushes out. Perhaps unsurprising given its namesake, the alluring tone is joined by jazz-inspired rhythms, soulful bass bopping along to the intentional shuffling of the drums and breezy staccato guitars carrying the beat steadily onto our auditory canal. While we got a small taste of the vocal stylings of Alien Feli at the … Continue reading Jazzmine? Alien Feli’s latest feels more like a musical Goldmine.

Crooked ForestJuly 10, 2023Leave a comment

Music Reviews

Big Chief Donald Harrison’s “Congo Square Suite” is a liberating fusion of orchestral, jazz and African roots.

The mid-tempo rumblings of congas move into focus accompanied by the rattling of shakers and African tribal chanting and we know we’re in for a treat. The piece that’s landed on our table is a collection of movements – Congo Square Suite by composer Big Chief Donald Harrison from New Orleans. It’s not often we’re presented with works so intricately focused on bringing forth the … Continue reading Big Chief Donald Harrison’s “Congo Square Suite” is a liberating fusion of orchestral, jazz and African roots.

Crooked ForestApril 18, 2023April 19, 20232 Comments

Music, Music Reviews

Mr MooQ’s latest leaves us with an admirable, “Oh My My My”.

Mr MooQ’s “Oh My My My” seems to emerge from the shadows of the alley behind the city’s poppin’ jazz club in the late hours long after everyone’s gone home, as a simple saxophone line drifts out of the door propped open while the remaining staff member commiserate over cigarettes before their final close. The track’s namesake begins to wistfully echo over them and into … Continue reading Mr MooQ’s latest leaves us with an admirable, “Oh My My My”.

Crooked ForestMarch 25, 2023May 10, 2023Leave a comment

Interviews, Music

Spotlight On: Nurdjana

This week I’m pleased to share with you new music from Dutch-Canadian singer-songwriter Nurdjana who recently released a new EP titled “Coming Home.” Coming Home is an emotional and evolutionary journey that takes you right into Nurdjana’s life as she works to rediscover herself and her identity, dealing with her immigration to Canada, losing her parents, becoming a mother, dealing with divorce and learning how … Continue reading Spotlight On: Nurdjana

Crooked ForestAugust 8, 2022August 7, 2022Leave a comment

Interviews, Spotlight On, The Treehouse

Spotlight On: SpenDoe

Today we’re turning the spotlight over to California-based rapper SpenDoe who recently released a new single called “To The Top” and it’s a total vibe. In our interview we asked SpenDoe who the first rapper they got into, what attracted them to their style, some of the challenges they’ve faced collaborating with other artists and what you can expect in their upcoming releases. Give “To … Continue reading Spotlight On: SpenDoe

Crooked ForestJuly 8, 2022July 7, 2022Leave a comment

Interviews, Music, Spotlight On

Spotlight On: Dawn Cadence

Right of the release of her debut single “!Warning Signs!” I got a chance to pick the brain of Montreal-based songwriter Dawn Cadence. Self-produced, Dawn’s music transcends genres, a soulful blending of jazz and rock inspired by 80’s pop. We talk about how Dawn put together the track, how she approaches her music and songwriting as a whole and dive into some of the artists … Continue reading Spotlight On: Dawn Cadence

Crooked ForestDecember 13, 2021December 30, 20211 Comment

Crooked Forest

where the trees have no name

Tag: jazz