Jazz Articles
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Havard Volden: Small Lives
by Scott Gudell
Although the press release claims that Norwegian-born Håvard Volden “takes center stage" with his guitar, Small Lives is carefully constructed around the fusion of his experimental guitar work with synthesizers, bass, drums and more--many of which are performed by Volden himself. This is no surprise, as beyond his guitar prowess, he skillfully leverages the capabilities of a modern studio to craft intricate, improvisational soundscapes. Volden has cited guitarists such as Pat Metheny as key influences. He also draws ...
Continue ReadingBrandee Younger Trio at the Freight
by Ronald Davis
A collection of photos from the Brandee Younger Trio concert at The Freight in Berkeley, CA on Thursday, October 23, 2025 featuring Brandee Younger, Rashaan Carter and Kweku Sumbry. ...
Continue ReadingUneven Eleven: Live In Brighton
by Mark Corroto
Since the dawn of this century, time seems to move faster and faster. Trends flare up and fade almost instantly--what is celebrated today becomes yesterday's news by morning. Music is no exception. Perhaps it is the digital age, meme culture or our shrinking attention spans that push us ever onward in search of the “next new thing." Sometimes, though, it is worth hitting pause and rewinding--not to the 1920s and Louis Armstrong's Hot Five (though that is never ...
Continue ReadingRez Abbasi, Anat Fort, and the Spike Orchestra
by Jerome Wilson
This show takes in a wide array of sounds, ranging from recent releases by Rez Abbasi and Anat Fort to large ensemble music by the Steve Rosenbloom Big Band and the Spike Orchestra. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Anita Donndorff “The Old Country" from Thirsty Soul (Fresh Sound New Talent) 1:01 Kurt Elling “Samurai Cowboy" from The Gate ...
Continue ReadingLena Bloch Waxes Poetic and a memory of Jack DeJohnette performing with Ron Carter and Gonzalo Rubalcaba
by Hobart Taylor
New music from Lena Bloch, Amir ELSaffar, Camila Nebbia, and remembering Jack DeJohnette via a trio recording with Ron Cater and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.Playlist Host Speaks 00:00 Eljuri “La Voz (Novalima Remix)" from Asi Es El Mundo (Manovill) 00:12 Ron Carter /Jack DeJohnette/Gonzalo Rubalcaba “Siempre Maria" from Skyline (5 Passion) 4:05 Sharon Isbin “Rouse: Concert De Gaudí For Guitar And Orchestra--1. Allegro (Gulbenkian Orchestra, Muhai Tang, Conductor)" from Tan Dun/Rouse: Guitar Concertos (Teldec New Line) 11:58 Host Speaks 19:57 ...
Continue ReadingSam Gill, Federico Calcagno, Scofield/Holland & Perelman/Anderson
by Maurice Hogue
Sydney Australia saxophonist Sam Gill's new Sensemaker with his band Coursed Waters is one of the best things I've heard this year, and there are a hell of a lot of excellent recordings, so definitely colour me impressed. Sam's music sounds like it's coming out of the Berlin-New York free jazz axis. Right there also is a new album from Italian bass clarinetist Federico Calcagno & The Dolphians. Fresh on the heels of a nomination for a German Jazz Prize ...
Continue ReadingIntroducing the NJ All-State Jazz Ensemble and Choir
by Sanford Josephson
"If they hire me," said Dr. David Demsey, “they know they're getting some Thad Jones." Demsey, who recently retired after 33 years as Coordinator of Jazz Studies at William Paterson University, is directing this year's New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA)/New Jersey Association for Jazz Education (NJAJE) All-State Jazz Ensemble. This is the third time Demsey has directed the ensemble, and he emphasized that, “This is not a program of arrangements that would be written for high school ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Although the main Record Store Day event occurs every year in April, the Black Friday drop gives record collectors a chance to find some one-of-a-kind releases to wrap up the year. The list always features music from a wide range of genres, and, of course, there are plenty of jazz releases available. However, these are limited-edition releases offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking the list of available titles beforehand is always helpful, but given the number of titles, it's ...
Continue ReadingCharles Lloyd: Figure In Blue
by Jack Kenny
Jazz listeners with long memories will remember that Charles Lloyd was not always as revered as he is today. In the 1960s, his association with the “Summer of Love" and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury scene led some to question his seriousness, seeing him as flirting with commercialism. Six decades on, that perception has aged away. Lloyd's work in 2025 is almost comparable to Beethoven's late quartets--music of depth, reflection, and spiritual weight. He has passed beyond being a national treasure; he ...
Continue ReadingLas Cafeteras Offer Evening Of Spiritual Storytelling
by Steven Roby
Las Cafeteras Miner Auditorium Día de los Muertos Celebration San Francisco, California October 31, 2025 A Día de los Muertos ritual of music, dance, and testimony transformed Miner Auditorium into a living ofrenda.Miner Auditorium resembled a communal altar on Halloween, with flickering candles, portraits of ancestors glowing, and a towering Día de los Muertos figure watching over. The stage was set as an ofrenda--the Día de los Muertos altar, filled with portraits ...
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