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Article: Radio & Podcasts

Björk: Jazz Muse & Hyperballadeer

by Ludovico Granvassu
May 21, 2019

If jazz is, as someone put it, the sound of surprise, then it makes complete sense that countless musicians have become enamored with the music of Björk. Like the most innovative jazz musicians, Bjork is a restless artist who tries to continuously reinvent herself, often blending familiar sources in completely unprecedented ways, and deliberately challenging the ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Matt Mitchell, Linda May Han Oh, Rajna Swaminathan & More

by Ludovico Granvassu
May 14, 2019

From bass players leading cutting edge bands, to ensembles with strings; from electronica-infused projects to tributes to Sun Ra, Count Basie and Oliver Nelson; from multi-kulti to straight-ahead. This and more on this episode of Mondo Jazz. Happy listening! Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" Mondo ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Sax Strike: The Sound of Jazz without Saxophones

by Ludovico Granvassu
April 25, 2019

Possibly, more than any other instrument, the saxophone defines the sound of jazz. Most jazz combos have at least one saxophonist on the front--and when you see that saxophone, you know it's going to be doing a LOT of soloing, even if the bandleader or composer plays another instrument. But what happens to the shape and ...

Article: Album Review

Patrick Cornelius: This Should Be Fun

Read "This Should Be Fun" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
April 20, 2019

This Should Be Fun occupies middle ground between the various modes of experimentation that infuse present-day jazz, and a fealty to traditional practices. Alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius and an exceptional band of peers haven't completely abandoned twentieth century jazz orthodoxy, yet their work doesn't flaunt or reference specific, easily recognizable influences. If you're looking for song ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Kneebody's Perfect

by Ludovico Granvassu
April 19, 2019

In less than two decades Kneebody has established itself as reference band of forward-looking musicians. With a brand new EP out, By Fire, their first release entirely dedicated to covers, a new outlet (the British musician-run reference label Edition Records), and new line-up following the departure of bassist Kaveh Rastegar, there's a been a lot going ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Brad Mehldau, Sarah Tandy, Billy Mohler & More

by Ludovico Granvassu
April 12, 2019

A catching-up session with gorgeous new and upcoming releases, featuring tons of fascinating debut albums that reassure us about the future of jazz (special mention for Billy Mohler's Focus, Sarah Tandy's Infection in the Sentence, Terraza Big Band's One Day Wonder and the Heartland Trio's eponymous album) hand in hand with new works by established masters ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Jazz Crescendos Galore!

by Ludovico Granvassu
April 9, 2019

When creating a radio playlist one always has to make sure to sequence songs in a meaningful way. The dynamics of their interaction is critical. There should be not too many fast pieces played back to back, nor too many ballads one after the other. Fast and slow, soft and loud should be sequenced in a ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Michael Blake - The Restless Adventures of a World Awakening Artist

by Ludovico Granvassu
March 26, 2019

An enduring presence for the last 30 years, saxophonist, composer and bandleader Michael Blake has built his reputation playing jazz and creative music in New York City. The visionary composer and arranger has built a discography that impresses for depth and range, from his hard-hitting projects Hellbent and Blake Tartare, to the soul and R&B tinged ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Art Ensemble of Chicago, Marilyn Mazur, Echoes of Zoo and More

by Ludovico Granvassu
March 19, 2019

New releases keep coming at an exciting place and Mondo Jazz obliges, sharing tons of exicting new releases, in particular celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Art Ensemble of Chicago and its spiritual offspring as well as some great European projects. Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

An Embarrassment of Riches

by Ludovico Granvassu
March 17, 2019

It's a great time to be a jazz lover, with so many fantastic new releases that it's almost overwhelming. To quote Shakespeare, it's an embarrassment of riches! This week we have handpicked some of the most exciting new music, from giants like Bill Frisell and Chris Potter to indie upstarts and international artists like Theon Cross ...