Jazz Articles
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Introducing Trumpeter Skylar Tang
by Sanford Josephson
"Every now and then," said trumpeter Sean Jones, “a musician comes along who has a vision and focus that you just know will affect the world--a sense of high artistry, skill, and profound leadership. Skylar Tang is one of the ones in her generation who fits this description." Jones is Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall's NYO Jazz, a musical ensemble that invites 22 high school students from across the country each summer to be part of a residency, ...
Continue ReadingZacc Harris: Chasing Shadows
by Troy Dostert
Long a fixture in the Minneapolis jazz scene, guitarist Zacc Harris has been at the nexus of a strong group of musicians, many of which are featured on Chasing Shadows, Harris' follow-up to 2021's well-received Small Wonders (Shifting Paradigm Records). Utilizing a quintet format as a vehicle for Harris' fervent melodicism, the results are a highly listenable slice of modern guitar-based jazz, both easy on the ears and skillfully played throughout. Most of the members of Harris' current ...
Continue ReadingRivkah Ross: Dare to Hope
by Paul Rauch
Rivkah Ross is a Portland, Oregon-based drummer and composer who has made her way professionally as a side musician in a variety of styles for a variety of leaders. Her debut recording, Dare to Hope (2024), is in her words, “ A singular artistic statement that shows a path to new territory." The album's liner notes refer to acceptance, resilience, and the “unwavering human spirit," as prime instigators of this effort to produce original works as an artist and bandleader. ...
Continue ReadingAndrea Longato: Thinking Heart
by Dan McClenaghan
First impressions of music--putting streaming aside--can come at you from the cover art. Guitarist Andrea Longato's debut release, Thinking Heart features a pair of rhinoceros standing side-by-side, mirror images inside a plain wash of olive green. Who would create cover art like that? And why? But the why does not matter. The image is a bit strange but beautiful and compelling, and it evokes the “What kind of music have we got here?" Good. The first impression has ...
Continue ReadingMeet Marina Albero
by Cheryl K.
In this hour, an interview with multi-instrumentalist/keyboardist, composer, and educator Marina Albero. Her current self-release is A Nomad of Sound. Playlist Michael Buckley “That's All Fowlkes" from EBB and FLOW (Livia) 5:24 Renee Rosnes “Essa Mulher (feat. Joyce Moreno)" from Crossing Paths (Smoke Sessions) 4:42 Jay D'Amico “Giant Steps" from Melodia: Jazz Under Glass (CAP) 3:05 Marina Albero “First Step of the Journey" from A Nomad of Sound (Marina Albero) 7:38 Marina Albero “Blau Blueset" from A Nomad ...
Continue ReadingNYT Top 10, Part 1
by Patrick Burnette
At the end of the year, media outlets make lots of lists, so many lists that there's even one for best jazz recordings. At the start of the following year, the bastards pick one lucky list to listen through and question every step of the way. This time it's the Times' turn, and Mike is especially skeptical of the paper's first four choices. Pat's just happy things didn't turn out worse. Honestly, these are all good records and who can ...
Continue ReadingSteve Smith, Don Paul, Mike Stern, John Surman & More
by Bob Osborne
In this eclectic mix there is a 40th anniversary retrospective of the work of ex-Journey drummer Steve Smith. In addition a then and now look at guitarist Mike Stern plus a remarkable album from poet Don Paul. This is interspersed with some new releases plus a new version of a 1969 recording by UK jazz legend John Surman. Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Brent Laidler “Riffy Business" from Hidden Gems (BEL) 00:29 Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet “The ...
Continue ReadingTake Five with violinist and ETHEL member Kip Jones
by AAJ Staff
Meet Kip Jones Kip Jones (violin) is known for his ebullient and innovative solo performances in a style he describes as “experimental folk." Kip is a member of the acclaimed ETHEL string quartet and can often be found performing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as its Ensemble-in-Residence. Kip is preparing to premiere Monk arrangements for string quartet and bass as part of ETHEL's upcoming March 13 th Carnegie Hall debut with Maestro Ron Carter. A modern musical ...
Continue ReadingRemembering Susan Alcorn: Bucking The Trends
by Ian Patterson
All About Jazz is saddened to learn of the passing of Susan Alcorn--pedal steel guitarist extraordinaire. She died on January 31st of natural causes. Perhaps more than any other pedal steel guitarist before her, Alcorn took her instrument into musical terrain not usually associated with it. She played country music for twenty years, but she also brought her instrument to bear on contemporary classical music, folk music, jazz and more experimental music. Born in Allentown, PA ...
Continue ReadingMarc Copland: Dreaming
by Dan McClenaghan
Jazz man Marc Copland is known primarily for his piano albums, solo and trio outings. He is considered by some, rightly so, as the premier jazz pianist of our day, closer to the supple touch and refined harmony of Bill Evans than the bouncing, joyous near-bombast of Bud Powell. But he is no stranger to playing with horns, teaming with trumpeter Ralph Alessi on Zenith (InnerVoice Jazz, 2015), saxophonist Dave Liebman on Contact (Pirouet Records, 2015) and saxophonist Greg Osby ...
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