Articles by La-Faithia White
Cícero Lee: light / beyond
by La-Faithia White
Cicero Lee is a double bassist, composer and producer, with over two decades of a career in the Portuguese and international music scenes. His work unfolds between original works and collaborations in diverse contexts, bridging jazz with other musical languages. “Amazonia" opens with an orchestral drumroll before unfolding into a processional-style ballad. Ricardo Toscano's saxophone guides the melody with quiet authority while the rhythm section provides a steady and supportive foundation. On “Beyond Light," Toscano establishes a graceful, ...
Continue ReadingDarryl Alexander: Morning Calls
by La-Faithia White
Jazz artist, producer, and composer Darryl Alexander Sr. began developing his skills as a musician in his school band playing trombone, tuba, and drums. Alexander began his recording career with his debut release titled Coast to Coast (1992) followed by 17th Street (1995), both on the Prestige jazz label. “Writing Our Story" opens with a slow, reflective tenor saxophone melody from Jeff Kashiwa. As Ken Karsh enters on rhythm guitar, the composition begins to unfold with a sense ...
Continue ReadingJakob Dreyer: Roots and Things
by La-Faithia White
Jakob Dreyer originally studying piano from age four, switched to bass at age 14. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Music and Drama in Hamburg, Germany, where he studied both classical and jazz. He then studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory before later establishing himself as an in- demand sideman in Germany for many years, working with national artists like Gabriel Coburger Sandra Hemper and Sebastian Gillen as well as international artists like Dusko Goykovich, Nils Landgren ...
Continue ReadingColorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra: Golden Lady: CJRO featuring Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield
by La-Faithia White
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra is one of the premier jazz ensembles in the region featuring top-tier musicians dedicated to honoring and expanding the jazz tradition. Golden Lady is a vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and gospel. The project also features original compositions, including LadyMay Mayfield's “Metamorphosis," “Hold Tight" by Bob Reynolds (a member of Snarky Puppy), and Jared Cathey's “Red Cedar Road." The project bursts open with “Hold Tight," an up-tempo, big band celebration radiating with energy. Driven ...
Continue ReadingJohn Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival Fourteenth Year
by La-Faithia White
A collection of photos from the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival in High Point, NC Saturday August 30th, 2025 featuring Snarky Puppy, Lizz Wright and Meshell Ndegeocello, The HeadHunters, Clint Holmes, Nnenna Freelon, Take 6, and the John Coltrane Youth Jazz Workshop. Labor Day weekend marked the kickoff of the fourteenth annual John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival in High Point, NC. The weather was picture perfect, with bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Returning to ...
Continue ReadingBillie Davies: Retrospectives (In The Key Of Jazz)
by La-Faithia White
Retrospectives (In The Key of Jazz) showcases a body of work by drummer Billie Davies that was created over a six year period. The musicians answered her call, recording albums and performing on her acoustic or hybrid drum set from 2012 to 2018. These pieces of music have never been released and are all improvisations that happened during rehearsals and/or performances in between or leading up to her album projects in Hollywood and New Orleans. “Hollywood Boulevard From ...
Continue ReadingShuffle Demons: Are You Really Real
by La-Faithia White
The Shuffle Demons are a Canadian jazz fusion band from Toronto. The band features a powerhouse ensemble of saxophonists Kelly Jefferson, Richard Underhill and Matt Lagan, anchored by the deep pocket of acoustic bassist Mike Downes and drummer Stich Wynston. The title track “X Marks The Spot" opens with an intriguing dialogue between bass and drums exploding into rapid-fire saxophone lines. Jefferson and Lagan exchange double-line runs, blending harmonies and layering multiphonics in a thrilling display of saxophone ...
Continue ReadingChad Eby: A Closer Look at His Life, Work, and Tribute to a Legend
by La-Faithia White
Saxophonist Chad Eby has been a vital presence in the North Carolina jazz scene. Since 2006, he has served as Associate Professor in the Miles Davis Jazz Studies program at the university of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he plays a key role in shaping the next generation of jazz musicians. In addition to his work as an educator, Eby continues to perform and record, often collaborating with top-tier talent across the region. In recent years, he has led Chad ...
Continue ReadingEnrique Thompson & Revirado Project: Song for Someone - Canción para Alguien
by La-Faithia White
Enrique Thompson is a saxophonist, composer and producer whose music bridges jazz, tango and global influences. His early exposure to classical music, Argentine folk traditions, Latin American sounds and artists like The Beatles and Joan Manuel Serrat shaped his eclectic musical identity. Born in the Argentine countryside, at 10 years old he began playing saxophone and, by 12, was immersed in classical training at the conservatory. At 14, he experienced his first jam session with professional musicians. In 2012, he ...
Continue ReadingFinn Wiest: Aurora
by La-Faithia White
Award-winning drummer Finn Wiest is a first-call sideman in the New York City Jazz scene. He has just finished his Master's degree at the City College of New York with Carl Allen, Steve Wilson and Mike Holobar. Born in Biberach An Der Riss, Germany, Wiest began playing drums at the age of four. He has performed and toured with renowned musicians such as Ray Gallon, Pablo Held, Florian Ross, and Tyreek McDole. As leader and ...
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