Jazz Articles

Our daily articles are carefully curated by the All About Jazz staff. You can find more articles by searching our website, see what's trending on our popular articles page or read articles ahead of their published dates on our Coming Soon page. Read our daily album reviews.

Album Review

Forebrace: Bad Folds

by John Eyles
December 7, 2013

Largely because of his contrasting instruments, there have long been two sides to clarinetist and guitarist Alex Ward. But it goes further than the differences between his chosen instruments, for Ward straddles other important divides including those between composition and improvisation, between electric and acoustic, and between rock music and--for want of a better word--jazz. As well as many fine duos, Ward has been a member of a diverse selection of bands including Camp Blackfoot, Pocket, SFQ, Limescale, the Duck ...

Live Review

Enjoy Jazz Festival 2013

by Adriana Carcu
December 7, 2013

Enjoy Jazz Festival Heidelberg/Mannheim/Ludwigshafen, Germany October 2-November 18, 2013 Enjoy Jazz is an event that can be attended in its entirety only by the lucky residents of the metropolitan area located in the Rhine-Neckar Triangle--and that for the simple reason that it runs for seven weeks. The good news is that all through the month of October and most of November, any weekend spent in the three locations--Heidelberg, Mannheim or Ludwigshafen--would make up for the ...

Extended Analysis

The Clash: Hits Back

by Phil Barnes
December 7, 2013

Nearly eleven years have passed since Joe Strummer's untimely death on 22 December 2002, and yet the music he, Mick Jones, Paul Simenon and Topper Headon made is still held in great affection by fans across the globe. Part of the reason for this longevity is the sheer quality and breadth of inspiration of the music that the Clash packed into a frenetic four year period from the release of their UK debut in April 1977 to the ...

Album Review

The Necks: Open

by Mark Corroto
December 7, 2013

Listening to a recording by the Australian trio The Necks is akin to over- hearing a conversation between two giant sequoia trees. While humans might not perceive the growth and movement of the trees, mom and pop Sequoiadendron giganteum might comment, “Little Billy sure has sprouted up these past 400 years, he's outgrown all his school clothes, again!" Open is the 17th album by pianist Chris Abrahams, drummer Tony Buck and bassist Lloyd Swanton. The band returns to ...

Album Review

Kasper Tom 5: Ost Bingo Skruer

Read "Ost Bingo Skruer" reviewed by Eyal Hareuveni

by Eyal Hareuveni
December 7, 2013

Danish drummer Kasper Tom Christiansen is one of the most interesting composers in the vibrant Danish jazz scene. As many other like-minded composers in this scene, he does not bind himself to the jazz legacy. His distinct musical personality references elements of contemporary music, and free improvisation. His compositions often bend catchy melodies into complex structures, while playing with seriousness. He challenges with odd segments and constantly attempts to push the boundaries without forgetting formative legacies. ...

Album Review

Larry McKenna: From All Sides

Read "From All Sides" reviewed by Ian Patterson

by Ian Patterson
December 6, 2013

Philadelphian tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna holds what may be, if not a unique distinction, then certainly a rare one of having played with both Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet. In a career spanning six decades he's played with many other leading jazz figures besides but only occasionally has he stepped out as a leader on a recording session. From All Sides is only his fourth CD in all these years. Nevertheless, 74-year-old McKenna's wonderful form on this collection of originals ...

Extended Analysis

John Coltrane: Live at Birdland

by Nenad Georgievski
December 6, 2013

Historically important recordings by artists that are still celebrated today in most cases are those that have transcended the times they were made in. In those cases are seen more as milestones that mark their progress and advancement as artists. Such is the case with saxophonist John Coltrane where each record in his cannon indicates his progress, insatiable curiosity, zealous dedication and appetite for music. Consequently, this semi live recording Live at Birdland is another stop for him and his ...

Book Review

Roger Waters: The Man Behind the Wall

by Nenad Georgievski
December 6, 2013

Roger Waters: The Man Behind the Wall Dave Thompson 288 ISBN: 161713564X Backbeat Books 2013 The story of British band Pink Floyd is one of an enigma that has lasted for decades. Regardless if the band has sold trillions of records and countless of books and articles had been written, still, the general audience knows very little about how the band's music was created or details about band members' private lives. Further, ...

Album Review

Peter Brotzmann/Paal Nilssen-Love: A Fish Stinks From The Head

Read "A Fish Stinks From The Head" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
December 6, 2013

In his seventy-second year, Peter Brötzmann shows no signs of decline. The fire-breathing saxophonist and hero to all free jazz musicians embarked on yet another tour, releasing this limited edition recording (only 400 copies) with a silk screened cover A Fish Stinks From The Head with drummer Paal Nilssen-Love who is 33-years his junior. Recorded in April, 2013 at Cafe OTO in London, the two- track disc packs a Herculean blast into just 33 minutes of music. But ...

Take Five With...

Take Five With Thomas Steffen

by AAJ Staff
December 6, 2013

Meet Steffen: Ctrl-Alt-U is a project from Thomas Steffen. Born in 1965, Steffen has been a drummer since he was 13 and has studied music science. Steffen has worked in different bands, projects, and film music for Dance 3D Filmfest Barcelona in 2013. Instrument(s): Drums, guitar, bass, sax, trumpet, and others. Teachers and/or influences? Wolfgang Eckholt was my drum teacher. I have been influenced by Miles Davis, Erik Truffaz, John Coltrane, and Stan ...