Blog interview: Courtney Pine. Words: Sammy Stein.

Courtney Pine has been part of the global music scene for decades. His constantly evolving approach to music, and jazz music, in particular, has made him an endearing and engaging musician. I have seen him perform with artists in different settings, from school halls to large fabled concert venues. Every time, Pine brings to the …

Single Review: “The Comet Is Coming” – CODE. Words: Sammy Stein

The power trio The Comet is Coming, comprised of Dan Leavers ( Danalogue), Shabaka Hutchings (Shabaka), and Max Hallett (Betamax), have released ‘Code’, the first single from their forthcoming album ‘Hyper-Dimensional Expansion Beam’ which will be released late September on Impulse. ‘Code’ is hailed by their label as an ‘intergalactic head-banger that explores hidden meaning …

Single review: “Prima Marteria” – Connie Han. Words: Sammy Stein.

Pianist/composer and Steinway artist Connie Han has released her single ‘Prima Marteria,’ which preludes the album ‘Secrets of Inanna’ due out in September. Connie Han has created more than a stir in the jazz world, bringing fresh, challenging ideas to the music. The single’s title references the primeval elements from which the universe was formed. …

Album Review: “Music In The Air” – Mark Christian Miller. Words: Sammy Stein

Music in the Air Being jazz correspondent for Platinum Mind can lead to discoveries and ‘Music In The Air’ from US musician Mark Christian Miller, featuring renowned West Coast musicians Jamieson Trotter on piano and arrangements, Mike Gurrola on bass, Kevin Winard on drums, Larry Koonse on guitar and Danny Janklow on alto sax, is …

Album Review: “Light Roars” – 1st Base Runner. Words: Sammy Stein

  ‘Light roars’ is the third official release from award-winning Austin, Texas-based experimental indie rock multi-instrumentalist and producer 1st Base Runner ( Tim Hussman). ‘Light roars encompasses Hussman’s edgy, post-punk, gothic atmospherics and expansive post-rock elements, and includes some dark, emotionally poignant lyrical themes. Previous releases’ Seven Years of Silence’ and ‘Ellis’ saw acclaimed reviews, …

Mike Casey, Saxophones, An App, Music, Electronics, tech and more. – Words: Sammy Stein.

US saxophone player Mike Casey’s star has been in rapid ascendance. I have watched him develop as a musician since he and his trio released their first album just over four years ago. An innovative and explorative saxophonist, Casey is always thinking about new ways for people to engage with music and musicians. He has …

Review: “Groovy Avocado Disco” – Unfortunately Steven. Words: Sammy Stein

Unfortunately Steven Groovy Avocado Disco From depths of despair and almost complete mental breakdown, Steven Ramirez (Unfortunately Steven) gives inspiration in his music and story. Quirky and distinctive, Ramirez’s music is inspiring, but equally inspiring is his head-on challenge to mental illness. Read about his bravery, share his inspiration and then hear the challenge and …

Album Review: “The Great Jamaican Songbook, Vol.1” – Cleveland Watkiss. Words: Sammy Stein

Multidisciplinary artist Cleveland Watkiss’s energy and drive are behind many music projects, and he has proved inspirational for upcoming talent on the music scene. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Dusseldorf Symphony Orchestra, Art Blakey, and countless others.  His new album ‘The Great Jamaican Songbook’ is released, coinciding with a …