Jazz News

Download Three Free MP3 Tracks from Mike Mainieri, Torben Waldorff, George Kahn and Kerry Politzer

Source: Michael Ricci
July 26, 2010

An AAJ exclusive! Download THREE FREE tracks from these outstanding artists. If you enjoy what you hear, support the artists and purchase their music.

Mike Mainieri

Like Someone in Love Crescent 6:00 The Brat 2.0 5:42 Don't Break Step Twelve Pieces 5:49

Torben Waldorff

American Rock Beauty American Rock Beauty 5:00 Choro Dancado Afterburn 05:50 Alice Brilliance, Live at the 55 Bar NYC 08:38 ...

Continue Reading

Jean-Michel Pilc: Room to improv

Source: Michael Ricci
July 25, 2010

Virtuosic pianist Jean-Michel Pilc finds success by following intuition Mathematics and music are often seen as complementary fields, realms governed by beautifully confluent systems of logic. But for Jean-Michel Pilc--an aerospace engineer by training and jazz pianist by calling--music exists in a universe apart, where intuitive communion on the bandstand transcends the left-brain's dominion. Self-taught and resistant to theory, Pilc has developed a coruscatingly melodic approach inspired by his formative musical exposure, listening to jazz records as a 7-year-old, memorizing ...

Continue Reading

Herb Alpert's sculptures, like visual jazz

Source: Michael Ricci
July 25, 2010

The famed trumpet player's abstract works are on display in Beverly Hills. Standing in a forest of sinuous, black totems spiraling into the lofty heights of the main room at Ace Gallery Beverly Hills, Herb Alpert is surrounded by an art form he has practiced for the last two decades--sculpture. By his account and that of those who know him, he's a man who lives on the right side of his brain--he percolates on the creative and the intuitive. “I ...

Continue Reading

I Grade Returns with Toussaint's Roots Reggae Album

Source: Chris M. Slawecki
July 25, 2010

I Grade Records is pleased to introduce Black Gold, the debut solo album by Toussaint. Most well known as the former lead singer of the Stax Records and Blue Note recording group Soulive, Toussaint is poised to bring forth his unforgettable blend of soul and roots to the world. Black Gold embodies a unique combination of the American soul of Toussaint's upbringing and the African-Caribbean roots he has gravitated towards. His compelling storytelling and seamless vocal range (as heard on ...

Continue Reading

Pianist/Vocalist Marcia Ball to Perform in New Hope

Source: Chris M. Slawecki
July 25, 2010

Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist/vocalist/songwriter Marcia Ball, touring in support of her Grammy-nominated CD, Peace, Love & BBQ, will perform in New Hope on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Ball's groove-laden New Orleans R&B, heart-wrenching ballads and driving Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite of music fans all over the world. Her music mixes equal parts simmering soul fervor and rollicking Crescent City piano. Over the course of her career, Ball's infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional songs have won her ...

Continue Reading

Raul Malo in Philly July 31 Previewing Forthcoming CD

Source: conqueroo
July 25, 2010

Raul Malo to Perform Saturday, July 31 at the Sellersville Theater to Preview Upcoming CD Self-produced in his home studio, Sinners & Saints is the most intimate, honest and complex album Raul Malo has made in an already distinguished career. One hears in it a lifetime's journey, from the singer-songwriter's youth in Cuban neighborhoods of Miami through his years as one of the most intriguing talents in the Americana scene. The album is set for September 28, 2010 release on ...

Continue Reading

Berklee College of Music and ParkARTS Presents Jazz at the Fort

Source: Michael Ricci
July 25, 2010

Berklee College of Music and ParkARTS present music outdoors in Roxbury's historic and enchanting Fort Hill neighborhood with Ron Reid & the Sunsteel Sextet and opener the Jazz Robertson Quintet. The annual Jazz at the Fort concert is free and will be held on Sunday, August 1, at 5:00 p.m., at Highland Park on Fort Avenue, Roxbury. Rain date is August 8. Folding chairs, blankets, and picnics are encouraged. Highland Park is known for its willow trees, rolling lawn, puddingstone ...

Continue Reading

Al Jarreau Stable After Heart Problems

Source: Michael Ricci
July 25, 2010

Jazz and soul music legend Al Jarreau is in a stable condition in a Southern French hospital. This after the performer was hospitalized in the small Alpine town of Gap after complaining of a rapid heartbeat. He was moved to Marseille from Gap and he is reported to have stabilized. He is reported to have thanked the staff at Gap hospital for saving his life. Jarreau has won seven Grammy awards in his career for his pop, jazz and soul ...

Continue Reading