Articles by Chad Kushins

Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland at Carnegie Hall

by Chad Kushins
July 6, 2005

When Wayne Shorter put a new working acoustic jazz band together in 2001, there were two possible outcomes that his fans and listeners could have expected: 1) “Nice! Wayne Shorter is going to finally bring back is innovative style of playing and band-leading with new, original compositions that just might rival his composing power demonstrated during his tenures with the Miles Davis band in the mid-1960s, the Weather Report and the V.S.O.P. reunion quartet of the 1970s," or 2) “Ah, ...

Hank Jones: For My Father & 'S Wonderful

by Chad Kushins
June 30, 2005

It seems that piano legend Hank Jones will be celebrating his 87th birthday this year by reminding his audience just why he's considered such a legend. With the releases of two very different straight-ahead jazz releases, Jones will likely satisfy both his loyal fans and more critical die-hard jazz enthusiasts.

Jones is last surviving member of a jazz dynasty that featured his brothers Thad, the famed trumpeter who passed away in 1986, and Elvin, who helmed the drums ...

Avram Fefer and Bobby Few: Kindred Spirits

by Chad Kushins
June 9, 2005

Sometimes lightning strikes twice. As proof, legendary expatriate Bobby Few has teamed with fellow sound explorer Avram Fefer for two fresh releases of very different character, and with near-perfect results.

On the aptly-titled Kindred Spirits, Few and Fefer offer a slower, more blues-laden repertoire than the more free jazz-oriented Heavenly Places. But don't let this accessibility fool you; both players retain the same lucid command over their respective instruments that was present in their previous endeavors together.

On piano, Few ...

Miles Davis: Miles in Berlin

by Chad Kushins
May 31, 2005

Finally on CD in the United States, Miles in Berlin can be viewed by Davis completists as a Rosetta Stone in his long career. It is the very first recording by what would later be dubbed the second great quintet, capturing the group in a transitional period. Largely considered one of the greatest jazz bands ever, the new quintet consisted of musicians who seemed kindred to each other. And starting at the Berlin Philharmonie on September 25, 1964, listeners of ...