Jazz Articles
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Ray Anderson / Ivo Perelman: 12 Stages of Spritual Alchemy
by Hrayr Attarian
Saxophonist Ivo Perelman is a restlessly innovative artist who has released several superb duets. Versatile trombonist Ray Anderson feels equally at home in traditional blues settings, New Orleans-style early jazz, and free improvisation. Together, they make provocative music as demonstrated on the intriguing 12 Stages of Spiritual Alchemy. Rooted in ancient cultures worldwide, the concept of spiritual alchemy entered modern psychology and spiritual practices through the work of Carl Jung. Jung used seven stages of the occult science ...
Continue ReadingHarold Mabern: Afro Blue (10th Anniversary Edition)
by Bridget A. Arnwine
Pianist Harold Mabern (1936-2019) was talented beyond measure. Though he never received the honor and distinction of the prestigious NEA Jazz Master designation, his music and the musicians who knew him tell a different story. That story unfolds beautifully throughout the 10th anniversary reissue of Mabern's 2015 recording, Afro Blue (Smoke Session Records). The newly remixed and remastered recording features performances from some of the most celebrated names in vocal jazz, including Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Kurt Elling, Jane Monheit, ...
Continue ReadingLoren Schoenberg, Horace Silver, and Masabumi Kikuchi
by Jerome Wilson
This episode features music by Loren Schoenberg, Horace Silver, Joe Gallant, Masabumi Kikuchi, and Chet Baker among others. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Sebastien Ammann's Color Wheel “Castello di Traliccio" from Resilience (Skirl) 00:59 Patricia Brennan “Lyra" from Of the Near and Far (Pyroclastic) 4:59 Host Speaks 12:31 Masabumi Kikuchi “Alone Together" from Hanamichi--The Final Studio Recordings, Vol. ...
Continue ReadingNew Archie Shepp with Naïssam Jalal, Kronos Quartet, remembering Ralph Towner, and introducing the Alfie Jackson Sextet
by Hobart Taylor
New Archie Shepp, Kronos Quartet inspired by Mahalia Jackson, Nicole McCabe, and remembering Ralph Towner. Playlist Host Speaks 00:00 Kerry Politzer “The Sunrise Wants to Break Through" from Alternate Routes (Whirlwind) 00:12 Ralph Towner “Fat Foot" from At First Light (ECM) 5:24 Nicole McCabe “Air Sign" from Color Theory (Birdwatcher) 9:13 John Surman/Ben Surman “Wave Theory" from Oceanic Rifts (Self-Produced) 16:41 Host Speaks 21:32 Moor Mother /Nicole Mitchell/Nduduzo Makhathini “One for Archie" from (One for Archie) (Enjoy Jazz) ...
Continue ReadingCase Files: 2026-01
by Cool Vic, The Music Dick
Editor's Note: Long before this Jazz Detective, there was another. His name was Vic... “Cool" Vic, to be exact. Back in 1998--1999, Vic was a music dick--chasing down lost artifacts, missing recordings, and cold cases from the shadowy alleys of jazz history. Then he disappeared. Retired. Vamoosed. Now he's back. For how long? That's anyone's guess. But Cool Vic is once again ready to field your questions, crack a few cases (bottled and investigative), and maybe a few heads along ...
Continue ReadingRa Kalam Bob Moses and the Heart Breath Ensemble at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
by Paul Reynolds
Ra Kalam Bob Moses and the Heart Breath EnsembleThe National Jazz Museum in Harlem New York, NY January 22, 2026 The concert by Ra Kalam Bob Moses--as the veteran drummer is now known--and the Heart Breath Ensemble on Thursday was not what it seemed at first glance, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The afternoon set at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem was unexpectedly free-wheeling. Yet Moses and five colleagues pulled off an engaging hour ...
Continue ReadingSal La Rocca: Consenso
by Jack Bowers
On Consenso, his second album as leader, Belgian-born bassist Sal La Rocca's close-knit quintet takes dead aim at nine original compositions and generally nails its target with a minimum of hardship or unease. As no composer credits are given, the assumption is that the themes are La Rocca's. Most are favorably nestled in a post-bop framework that suits the ensemble well, and no one is less than well-spoken in pursuit of their plan and purpose. At the same ...
Continue ReadingFrantisek Uhlir: Coming Home
by Edward Blanco
Czech jazz double-bassist Frantisek Uhlir, a composer, educator and leader of the Frantisek Uhlir Team & Strings (F.U.T.), based in Prague, presents the highly acclaimed Coming Home album of original music penned especially for his band, founded back in 1987. Considered one of the finest bass players on the European jazz scene today, Uhlir has recorded many albums as a side musician, as well as a couple of recordings as leader. He is known as a proponent of the “so-called ...
Continue ReadingClassic jazz from Arthur Prysock, Lee Morgan and recently releases from Elijah Rock, Lisa Hilton, and more
by David W. Daniels
Classic jazz from Arthur Prysock, Lee Morgan, Harold Land, and others. Rereleased jazz from Tommy Smith, and recently released jazz from Gregory Groover and Nat Adderley, Jr along with several more. Recognizing birthdays for Al Foster, Lizz Wright, Jimmy Herring, and others. Playlist Don Friedman Quartet “Exploration" from Dreams And Explorations (Riverside) 00:00 Arthur Prysock “In The Rain" from Arthur Prysock '74 (Old Town) 8:31 Dizzy Gillespie “Careless Love" from 1961-1964 The Classic Philips Albums (Enlightenment) 12:04 Kenny ...
Continue ReadingMichael League's Musical Universe Unleashed
by Steven Roby
Five-time Grammy winner Michael League sat down with Steve Roby to discuss his groundbreaking residency at SFJAZZ Center--a five-night exploration that shatters the “one-band" label and reveals the full spectrum of his creative life. Best known as the founder of Snarky Puppy, League has spent his career defying categorization. In this conversation, he opens up about why he's never been content being “Mr. Snarky Puppy," his evolution from band leader to curator and “designated hitter," and how his ...
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