Jazz Articles
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Tessa Souter: Singing Her Way to Happiness
by Dean Nardi
The English/Trinidadian artist is a bona fide treasure--consummate stage presence, captivating singer, accomplished songwriter. Arriving in New York in 2009 from England, Souter studied at the Manhattan School of Music while taking a masterclass with Mark Murphy. Starting with open mic sessions, she soon began making a name for herself on the scene, bringing an appealing combination of lightness and depth to her music, singing in a bright, clear voice. She debuted in 2004 with Listen Love (Nara Music, 2004), backed by ...
Continue ReadingAnthony Wilson: House of the Singing Blossoms
by Joshua Weiner
Guitarist Anthony Wilson is well known for his session and touring work with vocalists, including Diana Krall, Norah Jones, and Paul McCartney, as well as his time in the big band led by his father, the late trumpeter Gerald Wilson. But in the early 2000s, he also released four albums with his own nonet, sharing solo space with five horns, which taught him a great deal about writing and arranging. House of the Singing Blossoms captures Wilson's return to this ...
Continue ReadingCraig Taborn: When Kabuya Dances
by John Chacona
With every passing year, the genius of the late Geri Allen increasingly comes into focus. “When Kabuya Dances" has all the hallmarks of her style: memorable melodies, a sophisticated approach to rhythm and formal audacity. Allen had left Detroit for Howard University shortly before Craig Taborn arrived at the University of Michigan, but he might have learned about “When Kabuya Dances" from the eminent Motor City rhythm team of bassist Jaribu Shahid}] and drummer {{Tani Tabbal, who recorded the composition ...
Continue ReadingKonrad Ciesielski: Koniec
by Geno Thackara
Konrad Ciesielski looks like a man of contradictions: an extreme-metal drummer who also plays some Southern stoner rock on the side, loud and powerful yet fluidly graceful, finally making a solo debut and titling it Koniec (The End). In a somewhat sideways step from his past history, this is a sweeping musical panorama that feels downright vast in scale. Yet by the end of this virtual movie-for-the-ears, all those things do not even feel like contradictions. The picture is simply ...
Continue ReadingBill Evans, Clark Terry, Gerry Mulligan, Teddy Charles & Bob Brookmeyer
by Joe Dimino
Welcome to a full hour dedicated to the genius of Bob Brookmeyer--one of jazz's most inventive, soulful, and influential voices. Born in Kansas City, he carried the city's musical spirit across the globe, leaving a bold, unmistakable imprint on the world of jazz and beyond. This episode is inspired by Michael Stephans' powerful new book, On the Way to the Sky. Stephans--a seasoned author, musician, and longtime friend of Brookmeyer--shares insights that illuminate both the man and the master musician ...
Continue ReadingTed Unseth and the Americana Classic Jazz Orchestra: 20th Anniversary Concerts
by Jack Bowers
The 20th Anniversary Concerts performed by Ted Unseth's Americana Classic Jazz Orchestra were recorded in 1993, when the orchestra's guest artist, alto saxophonist Benny Waters, was a spry 91 years old. And for those who would like to see as well as hear Waters and the orchestra, the audio CD is accompanied by a briefer video that encompasses eight numbers from the concerts, which were held at Bandana Square in St. Paul, Minnesota. The “classic jazz" played by ...
Continue ReadingJazz playlist special features Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Miles Davis and much more
by Len Davis
Pat Metheny, Lynne Arriale, Jack Pantazis, {Tim Garland}}, Miles Davis, John Abercrombie, Chick Corea, Ference Snetberger, John Scofield, Marc Johnson, Chris Potter and Avishai Cohen. ...
Continue ReadingElla Fitzgerald, Gregory Porter, Olivia Van Goor, Leslie Odom Jr. and More!
by Jua Howard
Happy Holidays! It's time for another episode of the “First Instrument Jazz Show"! I've got a lot of holiday cheer to share with new music from April Varner, Wycliffe Gordon, Olivia Van Goor,Christian Wiggs; and a lot of other timeless holiday music including from Ella Fitzgerald, Kevin Mahogany, Laila Biali, Joe Williams, Natalie Cole, Leslie Odom Jr. and many more. Come get lost in the music with me! Playlist Intro 00:00 Gregory Porter “Heart for Christmas" from Christmas ...
Continue ReadingSachal Vasandani: Best Life Now, Stripped Back
by Steven Roby
In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with vocalist and songwriter Sachal Vasandani. Known for a voice that critics call “transfixing," Sachal has collaborated with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Bobby McFerrin. Sachal discusses his latest project, Best Life Now, and the surprising journey of taking that album--originally produced with deep grooves by drummer Nate Smith--and stripping it back to its raw, acoustic essentials. We dive into his philosophy on jazz improvisation, his ...
Continue ReadingElysian Fields, Zeitgeber, Kate Wyatt, Rin Seo Collective & more
by Marek J. Śmietański
Episode 119th of Jazz Crumbs wraps up the October releases. After the European chapter in episode 118th, we travel to the rest of the world. The sound is calmer and less experimental this time, with clear nods to tradition. There are plenty of albums by artists from outside the American mainstream--Canada, Cuba, South Africa, and several strong international projects. The new face of Australian jazz, however, truly catches the ear. Notably, only three of the featured albums are debuts. As ...
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