I received an advance copy of Calderazzo's latest effort, a solo piano CD entitled "Haiku". His connection with Branford has landed him a new deal after Columbia shook things up. Marsalis Music is really growing thanks to the combined savvy of Branford, Bob Blumenthal and surely others whose names I don't know. I think people are going to have mixed reactions about this album. At times it is intensely interesting and introspective. And other times he just goes on and on with an vamp and kind of says the same thing over and over.

Look forward though to a beautiful original called "Chopin" (in the suspended lackadaisical synchronousness that characterizes that composer's music). Also notable is a tender interpretation of "My One and Only Love" and a nice effort on "Just One of Those Things".

Does anyone have any stories about Joey? Seeing him live? His story as a musician? Likes/dislikes?

I've only seen him with Branford, but what I've seen I've liked. I'll probably check this one out at some point...

Apparently this is the second time he's done his composition "Haiku" though this album takes that name for its title as well as being on the record. The version on this album is much longer than the previous take on the self-titled Columbia release.