Jazz Articles

like 786

Omar Sosa, Jimmy Cobb and Chano Domínguez, 'Kind of Blue' variations at the Barcelona Jazz Festival (V)

by Roan Clay
November 17, 2009

In 2009 Kind of Blue, the album that symbolizes jazz music for more people the world over turned an astounding 50 years old. Originally released in August 1959, jazz' most influential album is also its best seller ever; having sold untold millions of copies worldwide, it's turned quadruple platinum (4 million copies) in the US alone.

The 41st Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona celebrated the 50th birthday of Miles Davis' masterwork with a series of concerts featuring performers ...

like 268

Revolutionary Ensemble: Vietnam

by Raul d'Gama Rose
November 17, 2009

The release of this 1971 recording of Revolutionary Ensemble's Vietnam ought to have a special significance. Two wars are being fought, and the children of many families are being put in harm's way. The “stamping out the terrorism" that violently assaulted the USA provides justifiable reason for conflict. Still the specter of Vietnam looms large. Almost 50 years after the event, the word “Vietnam" sends chills down the spine. So much more when the horrors of that conflict are brought ...

like 234

Billy Lester: Visceral

by Francis Lo Kee
November 17, 2009

On this set of five standards and one original, pianist Billy Lester displays a strong original approach to jazz improvisation. He also leads a flexible, yet muscular trio, that moves along with him with telepathic skill. Lester has a wide range of approaches: single-note right-hand lines, dissonant block chords, left-hand bass runs that move in counterpoint to the right hand (and his use of the low register piano is fairly unique to most of what you hear ...

like 576

More Resources for Jazz Musicians

by Michael Ricci
November 17, 2009

Keeping up with new technologies is a challenge and knowing where to spend your time on self promotion is key. The internet has, to a certain degree, leveled the playing field for promotional opportunities, but you'll need to identify where those opportunities lie and take advantage of them. We've identified some important services that will help you establish a greater presence online and develop your fanbase, while freely promoting yourself, your music and your performance dates.

like 739

Mika Pohjola: The Ever Search

by Maxwell Chandler
November 17, 2009

From studying music theory with his father to attending Vantaa Music Institute and the Royal College of Music, Mika Pohjola's life has been entwined with both music and the pursuit of knowledge. His work mirrors his desire to journey ever outward, searching for ways to incorporate the various influences and inspirations which have helped him create an oeuvre which defies easy categorization.Early Classical Life All About Jazz: You initially studied piano and music theory with your father, then ...

like 1,373

Ed Palermo: We're Only In It For The Music

by Ian Patterson
November 16, 2009

It's got to be love, hasn't it? Why else would someone bother to transcribe 200 of Frank Zappa's tunes? For what other reason would someone dedicate himself for over 15 years to presenting his arrangements of Zappa's music in the setting of a 17-piece jazz big band, and at a loss to boot?

Yes, it's safe to say that saxophonist, composer and arranger Ed Palermo really, really loves Frank.

Ed Palermo (center, on alto) with Ed ...

like 357

Claire Martin: A Modern Art

by Bruce Lindsay
November 16, 2009

Is jazz still a modern art? It's a hundred years old, after all, and some performers and fans seem to ignore everything written after 1940. But as far as the work of Claire Martin is concerned the question has only one answer. Apart from being one of the finest singers on the current scene, Martin is constantly searching for new writers and new ways to interpret them, ensuring that her own approach to music stays resolutely in the present. A ...

like 603

Tord Gustavsen Ensemble at Royal Northern College of Music

by David McLean
November 16, 2009

Tord Gustavsen Ensemble Royal Northern College of Music Manchester, England October 21, 2009

With the imminent release of Restored, Returned (2009, ECM) exclusively in the UK, Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen makes his British live debut with his new ensemble at Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music as part of a set of exclusive dates throughout the country. Returning percussionist Jarle Vespestad is joined by fellow esteemed countrymen bassist Mats Eilertsen and, augmenting the ...

like 260

Chris Greene Quartet: Merge

by Bridget A. Arnwine
November 16, 2009

The Chris Greene Quartet is willing to try anything once. No matter the genre of music, put it in this group's capable hands and bear witness to music taking on a whole new style and feel. On the group's third recording, Merge, saxophonist Chris Greene leads his quartet of four years all over the musical spectrum. Tackling songs by the likes of Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Green, Madonna and The Black Eyed Peas, as well as original material from Greene and ...

like 580

Bill Charlap Trio in Ann Arbor

by C. Andrew Hovan
November 16, 2009

Bill Charlap Trio University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan October 2, 2009While much of the credit for reinventing the standard repertoire via the piano trio can go to Keith Jarrett, the pianist's muse is more about using such chestnuts as a launching point for his own self-probing and extended improvisations. In the case of fellow pianist Bill Charlap, the focus is on just the opposite. His aim is to frame these trinkets in ...