Jazz Articles
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Ronald Snijders, Ballake Sissoko, Nicole Mitchell, Michael Sarian
by Ludovico Granvassu
Enjoy a playlist blending jazz and the musical traditions of Mali, Suriname, Cuba and Argentina. Happy listening! Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 A Plane to Catch “Bamako Convention Center" Soul Piece (April) 0:16 Host talks 4:58 Ballake Sissoko, Nicole Mitchell “Spicy Jambalaya" Bamako*Chicago Sound System (FPE) 6:37 Host talks 14:02 Ronald Snijders “Maseko" Penta (Night Dreamer) 16:22 Dafnis Prieto “Funky Humanoid" 3 Sides of the Coin (Outside In ...
Continue ReadingIvo Perelman / Aruán Ortiz / Ramón López: Ephemeral Shapes
by Hrayr Attarian
For over three decades innovative saxophonist Ivo Perelman has been a stalwart of the creative music scene. Each addition to his impressive, and uniformly superb, discography is a unique expression of spontaneity that bears his indelible stylistic mark. One of the reasons for Perelman's success is his uncanny ability to find like-minded collaborators. The introspective Ephemeral Shapes is no exception in all of the above. An eight-part improvised suite finds Perelman in the company of two equally ingenious musicians: the ...
Continue ReadingJimmie Herrod: Redefining Vocal Brilliance and Artistic Excellence
by Steven Roby
Episode HighlightsIn this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steven Roby sits down with Jimmie Herrod, the sensational vocalist celebrated for his breathtaking performances and unique artistry. Known for his work with Pink Martini and his memorable run on America's Got Talent, Jimmie shares personal insights into his journey as a musician, his creative process, and the transformative power of jazz. Listeners will get an exclusive glimpse into Jimmie's upcoming projects, including his highly anticipated SFJAZZ show and his reflections on ...
Continue ReadingChris May's Best Jazz Albums Of 2024
by Chris May
In case you missed the sad news, our dear friend and compatriot, Chris May, passed away in November (read our tribute). Below are the albums he considered extraordinary in 2024--a final testament to his discerning taste and love of sound. -mR Rob LuftDahab Days Edition Records Kahil El'ZabarOpen Me: A Higher Consciousness of Sound and Spirit Spiritmuse ...
Continue ReadingLouis Stewart & Martin Taylor: Acoustic Guitar Duets
by Ian Patterson
Jazz is littered with examples of starry duos aligning in one-off recording projects that do not quite match expectations. Often the lack of real spark comes down to too much deference being shown. When such duos do come off, however, say as with the collaborations between Bill Evans and Jim Hall, to cite one outstanding example, the results can be little short of spectacular. This 1986 studio outing between guitarists Louis Stewart and Martin Taylor falls into the latter category--two ...
Continue ReadingCollin Sherman: A Solitary Visionary in Jazz
by Robert Middleton
Collin Sherman is an outlier in the jazz world. He creates all his own music, plays every instrument, records everything himself, and rarely performs live. His approach is unconventional but deeply compelling, allowing him to produce music that defies easy categorization. In a conversation via Zoom, Sherman opened up about his journey, his creative process and the unique challenges of being a one-man jazz ensemble. I began by asking Sherman how he got started in music. “I started playing jazz ...
Continue ReadingNduduzo Makhathini At The Philharmonie
by Matty Bannond
Nduduzo Makhathini The Philharmonie Cologne, Germany November 23, 2024 In the South African district of uMgungundlovu, November is a late-spring month of flipflops and chilled drinks. But icy wind was howling against gloved hands and mugs of hot Glühwein in Cologne on this November evening. The city in northwest Germany welcomed pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini to perform in its Kölner Philharmonie concert hall. It was a night of stark ...
Continue ReadingMark Kavuma & The Banger Factory: Magnum Opus
by Neil Duggan
Originally set up in 2015, The Banger Factory is a 20-plus collective led by composer and trumpeter Mark Kavuma. It is also the name of his record label. Both act as a showcase for some of the most gifted jazz talent the UK has to offer. Kavuma has a focus on nurturing young talent and providing vital opportunities for the next jazz generation to the extent that he acts as tutor at two London community-based charities. Across its ...
Continue ReadingLeslie Pintchik: Prayer For What Remains
by Dan McClenaghan
As a doctoral candidate at Columbia University studying 17th-century English literature and working as a teaching assistant, Leslie Pintchik could have moved into a life of academia. But, an old story: jazz called. She wanted a music career. A clear-eyed financial advisor might have tried to dissuade her, pointing out the problems and pitfalls of making a living in jazz. She probably would not have listened. In 2024, with eight fine albums under her belt, she offers up number nine, ...
Continue ReadingDan Pugach Big Band, George Cables, Arooj Aftab, Jason Keiser
by Mary Foster Conklin
This broadcast includes Grammy nominations, new releases from the Dan Pugach Big Band, George Cables, Arooj Aftab, Jason Keiser plus a single from säje, with birthday shoutouts to Michelle Ann May and Jazz Master Sheila Jordan. Happy listening and please support the artists you hear. See them live, purchase their music so they can continue to distract, comfort, provoke, inspire and remind the world that A Woman's Place Is In the Groove. Playlist Jocelyn Gould “Io's Orbit" from ...
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