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Jazz Articles about Nicholas Payton
Orrin Evans: The Red Door
by Mike Jurkovic
A most generous craftsman, composer and bandleader, pianist Orrin Evans never fails to bring out the best of whoever he chooses to create with. The Red Door is gratefully, and gracefully, no exception to that rule. Whatever musical setting Evans chooses to practice his sinewy, r'n'b inflected post-bop in--sideman, big band, trio, quartet, duo, whatever--a sweet animation propels his music and buoys the players gathered around him. In this case the two core units feature bass legend Buster Williams, ...
Continue ReadingOrrin Evans: The Red Door
by Dave Linn
Orrin Evans released his debut album for quintet, “Justin Time," in 1996, at the age of 21. Over the next 25 years, Evans released over 20 albums in all shapes and sizes. From trio to standard ensembles to large bands and big bands, Evans' history included a ten-year stint as a member of the Mingus Big Band, leading to his formation of the Grammy-nominated Captain Black Big Band in 2009. Additionally, when pianist Ethan Iverson (who wrote the liner notes ...
Continue ReadingBen Wolfe: Unjust
by Dave Linn
The history of modern jazz contains only a handful of bass players who have both led their own groups and been visionary in their compositions and approach. Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Jaco Pastorius and Christian McBride are those who come to mind. With the release of his 10th album, Unjust, Ben Wolfe shows he belongs in that group. Wolfe began his musical career as a classical bassist and studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in ...
Continue ReadingHarry Skoler: Living in Sound - The Music of Charles Mingus
by Angelo Leonardi
Tra i vari tributi alle composizioni di Charles Mingus, pubblicati nell'anno del centenario della nascita, questo di Harry Skoler conferma la plasticità di quei temi, articolati e mutevoli, frutto della sua complessa personalità. L'autore e primo solista di questo progetto è un clarinettista--già allievo di Jimmy Giuffre al New England Conservatory e da anni professore al Berklee College--la cui vita è stata radicalmente influenzata dalla passione per l'opera di Mingus. In collaborazione col sassofonista ...
Continue ReadingMcCoy Tyner & Nicholas Payton
by Joe Dimino
On the final episode of 2021, we profile the author of Black American Music, Nicholas Payton. We also look at a collection of musicians that made the world of jazz a memorable one in 2021. They include Charlie Ballantine, Beth McKenna, Alex Brown and Angel Roman. Additionally, we profile the musicians who make these musicians who they are. Legends like McCoy Tyner, Marcus Roberts and Paquito D'Rivera. Enjoy Episode 733 and all our best in 2022.Playlist Nicholas Payton ...
Continue ReadingNicholas Payton, Giacomo Zanus, Andorra, Dan Phillips & Other New Releases
by Ludovico Granvassu
For the first part of this week's show we focus on new and upcoming albums by trumpet players, and collaborations between guitarists and drummers.Happy listening!PlaylistBen Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 Nicholas Payton “Hangin' In and Jivin'" Smoke Sessions (Smoke Sessions) 0:16 Host talks 7:52 Abigoba “Decoy" Six Miles Around (Cristal) 9:04 Host talks 14:15 Miles Davis “Jean Pierre" The Lost Concert (Sleepy Night) 15:45 Andorra “The Poet" The Poet -Single ...
Continue ReadingClifford Lamb: Blues & Hues New Orleans
by Kyle Simpler
There are quite a few cities in the world that have an important musical legacy, and in many cases, the city's musical history might be one of the first things people associate with it. Take New Orleans. Commonly known as the birthplace of jazz, it's hard to imagine New Orleans without conjuring up brass bands, jazz clubs and juke joints. San Francisco-based pianist Clifford Lamb explores New Orleans' musical and cultural aspects with Blues & Hues New Orleans by offering ...
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