Articles by Solomon J. LeFlore

Unity: The Gift of Jazz

Masters of Their Universe: The Parallel Journeys of Joseph Bologne and Quincy Jones

by Solomon J. LeFlore
February 8, 2025

Breaking Musical Boundaries: From Classical Courts to Jazz Evolution The intersection of classical and jazz music has been shaped by pioneering musicians who transcended cultural and racial barriers, creating lasting legacies that continue to influence music today. Two remarkable figures, separated by centuries but united in their groundbreaking achievements, exemplify this journey: Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and Quincy Jones. Joseph Bologne: The Classical Virtuoso In the opulent courts of 18th-century Paris, Joseph Bologne emerged as an extraordinary ...

Catching Up With

Quincy Jones: An Evening With A Legend

by Solomon J. LeFlore
November 4, 2024

This article was first published on All About Jazz on October 31, 2014. I love jazz! I love everything about it... the improvisation, syncopation, the forceful rhythm, and the fact that it is truly America's original art form. Its unique and innovative use of brass and woodwind instruments and the piano is jazz. And, it is as American as apple pie. Ask 100 different people “What is jazz?“ and you're likely to get 100 different answers. ...

Film Review

Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead"

by Solomon J. LeFlore
October 13, 2015

Miles Ahead, in which the Academy Award winning actor portrays the legendary trumpeter, marks the directorial debut of Don Cheadle, who co-wrote the script.The independently financed production was shot in Cincinnati. Co-starring with Don Cheadle are Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg and Emayatzy Corinealdi. The production capped a nine year journey to the big screen that started with Davis' posthumous induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.Rather than encapsulating the entirety of Miles Davis' life, ...

Profile

Dr. Dre: Straight Outta Compton

by Solomon J. LeFlore
August 14, 2015

I read a headline today in Daily Variety (motion picture industry magazine) that said: “Straight Outta Compton chronicles the origins and history of N.W.A. ("Niggaz With Attitude"), arguably the most influential hip hop group in the history of American music. The title is taken from the title of their 1988 debut studio album, and it is due to blast into cinemas on August 14, 2015." Bravo! Excited for Dr. Dre... it's been a long time coming. No, not ...