Jazz Articles about John Beasley

About John Beasley

Album Review

Robyn Spangler: Robyn Spangler

Read "Robyn Spangler" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey

by C. Michael Bailey
June 18, 2026

Award-winning vocal stylist, songwriter, and actress Robyn Spangler is a fourth-generation performer whose deep musical roots trace back to an Indiana childhood of circus musicians, military band players, and a mother who sang in big bands. After taking piano lessons from former Steve Miller Band keyboardist Jim Peterman and fronting professional cover bands at age 17, Spangler moved to Los Angeles to study theater and music. She quickly built a diverse bi-coastal career working both behind the scenes and in ...

Live Review

John Beasley Sextet at Presidio Theatre

by Steven Roby
May 20, 2026

John Beasley Sextet Presidio Theatre Miles Davis at 100 San Francisco, CA May 14, 2026 Spanning a 90-minute set from Birth of the Cool to Amandla, John Beasley's sextet anchors the centennial with Miles's most influential band--the 1965--68 quintet featuring Wayne Shorter. Last September at San Francisco's Presidio Theatre, percussionist and former Miles Davis collaborator Mino Cinelu marked the trumpeter's centennial by lighting 100 candles across the stage and performing four Davis ...

Radio & Podcasts

Four New Jazz Releases from John Beasley, Mike Clement, Catherine Russell and Joe Syrian

by George Graham
May 12, 2026

George Graham presents four new jazz releases from John Beasley and the SWR Big Band, Guitarist Mike Clement, vocalist Catherine Russell and drummer Joe Syrian and the Motor City Octet. Playlist John Beasley and the SWR Big Band “Invisible Piano" from Invisible Piano (o-tone) 7:26 John Beasley and the SWR Big Band “Galaha" from Invisible Piano (o-tone) 5:17 Mike Clement “Access Granted" from Polka Dots and Ray Bans (Cellar) 4:14 Mike Clement “The Tempo" from Polka Dots and ...

Radio & Podcasts

Catherine Russell, Nat Reeves, Bobby Broom & John Beasley

by Joe Dimino
May 10, 2026

We kick off Episode 957 of Neon Jazz with a true living legend--John Beasley--a masterful bridge between jazz's rich past and its ever-evolving present. Teaming up with the powerhouse SWR Big Band, he sets the tone with his stunning 2026 release Invisible Piano. From there, the journey rolls through a lineup of modern greats and enduring voices, featuring fresh sounds from Bobby Broom, Catherine Russell, Nat Reeves, and the timeless spirit of Mal Waldron. Along the way, we spotlight a ...

Album Review

Mark Winkler: Hold On

Read "Hold On" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
September 7, 2025

Throughout his extensive career, Mark Winkler has been a steadfast presence on the Los Angeles jazz scene, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and captivating vocalists in contemporary jazz. With Hold On, his 22nd album, Winkler continues to demonstrate that artistic growth and creative curiosity remain central to his work. While many artists with such a prolific discography might be tempted to rest on their laurels, Winkler continues to push forward, creating new material and thoughtfully reimagining ...

Radio & Podcasts

John Beasley: A Man of Many Hats

by David Bixler
January 15, 2025

2024 has been a productive year for LA-based pianist and composer John Beasley. He released three new recordings, two of which are up for GRAMMY awards. Nominated in the category of “Best Latin Jazz Album" is El Trio on Challenge Records which features bassist Jose Gola and drummer Horacio El Negro" Hernandez. The second nomination in the category of “Best Large Ensemble Album" is for the recording Returning to Forever, a reimagining of Chick Corea's Return to Forever with the ...

Album Review

John Beasley, Jose Gola & Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez: El Trio Live in Italy

Read "El Trio Live in Italy" reviewed by Glenn Astarita

by Glenn Astarita
January 15, 2024

El Trio Live in Italy features the impressive line-up of Grammy Award-winner John Beasley on keyboards and synthesizers, José Gola on electric bass, and Horacio El Negro" Hernandez on drums. Described as a “dream threesome" of renowned musicians, this album is a product of their summer tour of Italy in 2022. The album's essence is a journey of three friends allowing the music to guide them. All three artists have a rich history, having toured with the maestro of Afro-Cuban ...