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Article: Profile

Carol Sloane: Setting New Standards

by Mathew Bahl
August 21, 2023

In her concert appearances, Carol Sloane often sings a lovely ballad called “An Older Man is Like an Elegant Wine." Listening to Ms. Sloane extol the virtues of age and experience in a voice as soft and warm as angora wool, it is hard not to conclude that the sentiments of the lyric have an even ...

Article: Chats with Cats

The Jazz Historian: John Edward Hasse

by B.D. Lenz
August 17, 2023

Jazz is not simply a style of music; it is also a culture. The impact of this cultural force has had many ups and downs throughout the last century but, undeniably, has been felt worldwide across all nations and all languages. With such a storied past, it's important that an account of its beginnings and those ...

Article: Top Ten List

Duke Ellington's Top Ten Albums

by AAJ Staff
July 29, 2023

Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, released numerous albums throughout his illustrious career. It's challenging to narrow down his extensive discography to just ten, but here are some essential Duke Ellington albums that showcase his incredible talent and contribution to jazz: Ellington at Newport Columbia Records 1956 ...

Article: Interview

Alan Ferber: Enneadic Endeavors

by Dan Bilawsky
July 20, 2023

When Alan Ferber was first finding his way as a Californian-turned-New Yorker near the dawn of the new millennium, he didn't know many people on his adopted scene. So logically, he used composing--for nonet, among other configurations--as a means for networking and fostering connections. “I don't like cold calling people; I just like to put projects ...

Article: Multiple Reviews

Duets From Strangers And Old Friends

by Jerome Wilson
June 28, 2023

The first of these duo recordings is from two musicians meeting for the first time. The second comes from long-time acquaintances. The compatibility of the playing on both is so high you would be hard-pressed to tell which was which. Pierrick Pedron & Gonzalo Rubalcaba Pedron Rubalcaba Gazebo 2023

Article: Liner Notes

Ryan Kisor: Power Source

by C. Andrew Hovan
June 22, 2023

Taking full advantage of what might be termed his “second wind," Ryan Kisor has grown into one of the most mature trumpeters of his generation. Back in 1990 when he impressed his elders by taking the prize at the Thelonious Monk Institute trumpet competition, things appeared promising and a major record label deal even came through ...

Article: Album Review

Mike Melito: To Swing Is The Thing

Read "To Swing Is The Thing" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
June 8, 2023

The leader of any group whose credo is To Swing Is the Thing had best enlist some hired hands whose propensity to swing is sure and steady, regardless of mood or tempo. Veteran drummer Mike Melito's talented quintet runs that course without breaking a sweat, lending Melito all the help he needs to keep his eighth ...

Article: Album Review

MIke Melito: To Swing Is The Thing

Read "To Swing Is The Thing" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
June 4, 2023

Rochester NY native Mike Melito is an fine drummer who has been active on the jazz scene for many years. His whose drumming style was inspired by Roy McCurdy, who was an integral part of the jazz groups fronted by both Nat Adderley and Julian Cannonball" Adderley. With a wide-ride cymbal beat and fluid phrasing, Melito's ...

Article: Rising Stars

Introducing Vocalist April Varner

by Sanford Josephson
June 1, 2023

The 1957 Verve album, Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book, contained 38 tracks, including some of the best-known tunes associated with Ellington such as “Solitude," “Satin Doll," and “I'm Beginning to See the Light." Contestants in this year's sixth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, sponsored by Blues Alley Jazz, were asked to select ...

Article: Multiple Reviews

Recent Jazz Releases including a new one from Kenny Barron

by Jerome Wilson
May 17, 2023

Here are reviews of a diverse selection of jazz releases from the past few months. Allegra Levy Songs For You And Me Little Moon Records 2023 Vocalist Allegra Levy has made a children's music album for the most natural of reasons. She became a mother in 2021, ...