Rough Edges
(2007) Alexandra Caselli
A rather inappropriate title for an album that is seemingly flawless with no discernable rough edges heard, Rough Edges is another blazing effort from pianist Alexandra Caselli and a pleasing one at that. A classically-trained pianist who began playing the instrument at the age of six, Caselli begins to reveal the depth of that training on the light ballad of "Colors of The Rain" with a warm performance on the keys. Not only is Caselli an exceptional player, she's also a talented composer providing eleven creative and lively original compositions to sample. Unlike her previous album, "Out The Aquarium" (Moonjumpers 2, 2004), where Caselli performs with two different rhythm sections in a standard piano trio format, she augments her core trio of bassist Jennifer Leitham and drummer Randy Drake with several guest players. Among them are flautist Jennifer Hall who is part of ABC's Dancing with The Stars house band, former Ray Charles guitarist Brad Rabuchin and saxophonist Carol Chaikin. Adding yet another element to her music, Caselli includes two lyrical pieces with "Blues for Stevie" and "Out of the Blue" with vocals provided by Jonathan Dane, who also plays the trumpet and flugelhorn on other tracks. The music is quite charming as the program opens up with the lively, upbeat "Waiting for Jennifer," featuring spirited playing from Hall on alto flute, and well accompanied by guitarist Rabuchin as Caselli plays the melody. On "Blues for Stevie" it's saxophonist Chaikin, following the vocal intro from Dane, who distinguishes herself with a sparkling solo on alto while Leitham and Drake make their presence felt. The guitarist takes part of the limelight with cool, crisp play on "Field Trip," sharing the stage with Leitham's brisk acoustic bass.
While graced by excellent solos from her band mates and guests, it's pianist Alexandra Caselli who delivers a marvelous performance
and deserves the credit for crafting, sanding down and polishing the Rough Edges off one very fine recording.
-Edward Blanco
allaboutjazz.com, 7/14/2008
Rough Edges...It's a nice one, opening with a samba featuring just the right mix of lilt and syncopation, Caselli comping and soloing lightly round the surdo, and then proceeding jazzily on with a damn fine mellowed tinge that gets cut up with soloing by Jennifer Hall, Jonathan Dane and especially saxophonist Carol Chaikin (who nails it on soprano, on that title cut .?.?. man, can that lady play).
-Brick Wahl
LA Weekly, 11/19/2007This is the second CD I've reviewed by pianist Alexandra Caselli, and if there are any Rough Edges I've yet to hear them. As on that earlier album-Out the Aquarium (Moonjumpers 2, 2004)-Caselli plays with impeccable style and unerring tastefulness, affirming this writer's previous comparison to another remarkable pianist, the celebrated and seemingly ageless Marian McPartland.
-Jack Bowers
allaboutjazz.com
Out the Aquarium
(2004) Alexandra Caselli
Alexandra's newly-released CD "Out the Aquarium" captures dynamic piano trio improvisations on unique arrangements of standards as well as Caselli originals. There are two featured rhythm sections- Randy Landas on upright bass with Dick Weller on drums, and Adam Cohen on electric bass with Dave Derge on drums.
“Out the Aquarium” was in the top 40 on the JazzWeek Radio Chart all summer 2004 www.allaboutjazz.com
Caselli’s emotional response on ballads is a study in delicate sensitivity and her ardent fiery up tempos are marked by strong rhythms and free melodic improvisation..... This album (Out the Aquarium) is pleasure for the ear and manna for the soul.
-John Gilbert
www.euroclubdejazz.comAn aggressive, brilliant follow up to her “Still Time” release... ...”Out the Aquarium” - #5 in the Ten Best Progressive Jazz Releases of 2004.
-A. Khalis Pride
The Jazz NationAt the piano keyboard, Caselli’s searing passion combines with her taste for lighthearted swing to produce a session filled with delightful moments.
-Jim Santella
LA Jazz Scene
Still Time
(2003) Alexandra Caselli
A triumph in artistic and creative expression that combines unique contemporary and traditional elements, this release has an abundance of integrity and vision. Some songs feature Jim Adle on saxophones, Jonathan Dane and Anne King on trumpet, & Patty Dorsey on vocals.Adam Cohen on bass, Eric Wells on drums, and Billy Hulting on percussion comprise the rhythm section.Total serenity captured in the sound of music.
“ I was swept away by this release (Still Time CD). Fifty minutes worth of excellence and beauty characterize its ten compositions. The music and lyrics are by Alexandra, an artist graced with exceptional artistic vision, and splendid accompaniment. “
-A. Khalis Pride
Jazz Exodus
Transitions
(2005) Jennifer York Quartet
"The chemistry between the band is evident from the first song all the way to the end. You can almost feel the heart and soul of each of the band members while listening to this album (Transitions). Alexandra Caselli, Jennifer York, Carol Chaikin, and Suzanne Morissette all do their part to make this a fresh and exciting album."
-Brian Greer
KT Radio 99.3 in Dolton, IL
A Tribute To Friends
(1999) Jennifer York Trio
Three of the most outstanding and gifted Women of Progressive Jazz, drummer Suzanne Morissette, pianist Alexandra Caselli, and bassist Jennifer York, combine their remarkable talents on a very passionate and gracious release. Also features Alex Acuna, Justo Almario, Bobby Rodriguez, and Jennifer Hall among others.