Articles by Maxim Micheliov
In Memoriam: Jazz Musicians Who Passed in 2020
by Maxim Micheliov
As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to remember the extraordinarily gifted musicians who made an indelible mark on jazz. With sadness, we bid farewell to Gary Peacock, Ennio Morricone, Keith Tippett, Henry Grimes, Bucky Pizzarelli, Wallace Roney and many others including NEA Jazz Masters Jimmy Cobb, Lee Konitz, Candido Camero, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Heath. Wolfgang Dauner Instrument: Piano Born: December 30, 1935 Died: January 9, 2020
Continue ReadingIn Memoriam: Jazz Musicians Who Passed in 2019
by Maxim Micheliov
In Memoriam: Jazz Musicians Who Passed in 2019 As 2019 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to remember the extraordinarily gifted musicians who made an indelible mark on jazz. With sadness, we bid farewell to Joao Gilberto, Doris Day, Andre Previn, Michel Legrand, Ginger Baker, Steve Dalachinsky, Jacques Loussier, Joseph Jarman, Vic Juris, and Jack Sheldon. Joseph Jarman Instrument: Saxophone Born: September 14, 1937 Died: January 9, 2019
Continue ReadingIn Memoriam: Jazz Musicians Who Passed in 2018
by Maxim Micheliov
As 2018 comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to remember the extraordinarily gifted musicians who made an indelible mark on jazz. With sadness, we bid farewell to NEA Jazz Masters Bob Dorough, Nancy Wilson and Cecil Taylor as well as trumpeters Hugh Masekela, Tomasz Stanko, Jerry González and Roy Hargrove. Marlene VerPlanck Instrument: Vocals Born: November 11, 1933 Died: January 14, 2018 Marlene Paula VerPlanck was an American ...
Continue ReadingDominic Duval: Follow Your Melody
by Maxim Micheliov
In memory of Dominic Duval: 1945-2016. This article was first published in October 2010. Bassist Dominic Duval is a mystery to many—even to those interested in free music. Seemingly emerging out of nowhere in the mid-1990s, over the course of 15 years he has built a formidable discography, firmly establishing him as one of the most original and prolific bassists alive today. His career is well-documented on more than one hundred recordings, including collaborations with Cecil ...
Continue ReadingIf Coltrane emerged today, would he receive recognition and appreciation?
by Maxim Micheliov
A while ago I had a chat with Vytautas Labutis, an influential Lithuanian saxophonist, educator and, at the time, curator of Vilnius Mama Jazz Festival. He said: “The list of players with top skills is almost endless. Today we have kids who can do amazing things on their instruments, but the world is waiting for a new Coltrane." This phrase set my mind to thinking about this nearly religious aspect of contemporary jazz reality. If He arrives, how will we ...
Continue ReadingIndie Musician in a Digital Age: Self Promotion Basics
by Maxim Micheliov
Recently, I've had a very educational experience from being a member of a Facebook page for jazz musicians. As it turned out, the group that listed over 2000 members and was intended for musicians only had a fairly narrow spectrum of actively discussed topics. Rise's Rose Garden Movies and beer?--No. Music?--No, of course, not! How to promote?--Yes, exactly. Most posts and associated comments could be covered by just one question: “how to ...
Continue ReadingBarry Guy: Striving For Absolute Spontaneity
by Maxim Micheliov
Barry Guy seems to be one of the most convincing figures in a long line of contemporary innovators whose discoveries possess everlasting value. Being a diverse improviser, a bassist of exceptional technique, an accomplished composer and a big band leader, this artist amazes by the scope of his interests and his variety of his accomplishments. Guy held a concert with Mats Gustafsson in Lithuania on January 11th, 2009. The short-but-eventful visit was crowned by the glorious performance at ...
Continue ReadingHoward Riley: Five Decades in Music
by Maxim Micheliov
Howard Riley gave his performance in Vilnius, Lithuania in September, 2009. It was his first visit to the country in a five-decade career, and one of just a few eastern Europe destinations made at the time, by the British free jazz pianist. The concert was recorded and released in 2010 as the double-disc set, Solo in Vilnius, by No Business Records. All About Jazz: Describe your musical background. Howard Riley: I was born in 1943 ...
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