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Roscoe Mitchell: Opening Doors
by Celeste Sunderland
Our elders often pass on truths learned along the road of life, old adages that become mantras repeated continually. Roscoe Mitchell’s father gave him one piece of advice that he’ll always remember: “Time is very important. Use your time wisely.” Sure, it’s a universal truth, but for Mitchell, this advice is especially relevant, because the saxophonist, ...
Jon Mayer
by AAJ Staff
By Ken Franckling After at least 13 years away from music entirely, and another 13 years rebuilding his life - and his chops - Jon Mayer is ready to take on the challenges of his hometown. “My life has taken a few twists and turns. This is my first legitimate jazz appearance [in ...
Continuous Fats: May 21 to December 15, 2004
by Daniel Kassell
Recent Fats Facts And Interviews: Part 1 At a showcase of “Shades of Harlem" a musical last fall in upper Manhattan's Harlem an original Cotton Club gal was announced as “being in the movie 'Stormy Weather' - Jaunita Boisseau, age 91!" After the performance Jaunita (you should see her gorgeous complection now and ...
Elvin Jones: In Memoriam
by AAJ Staff
Elvin Jones: September 9, 1927 - May 18, 2004 AAJ pays special tribute to the life and legacy of drummer Elvin Jones... “I feel very, very gratified when people are complimentary to what I have done or appreciated it with sincerity... It makes me feel that maybe I did do something that was proper and that ...
Happy Birthday Elvin Jones!
by Florence Wetzel
Legendary drummer Elvin Jones is turning 75 on September 9th, and to celebrate the occasion Jones is performing at the Blue Note for two weeks. The celebration kicks off on Jones' birthday, and that night Jones' group, the Jazz Machine, will perform with special guest Wynton Marsalis. Jones' relationship with Marsalis goes back many years. “Wynton's ...
Jackie McLean: Destination Out
by Clifford Allen
Plagued as we are by historicism, it is not always easy to really hear the music of Charlie Parker as it was played in the clubs or even in studio rehearsals. In some ways, the importance of the artist is more through students and followers than in the firsthand practice of that artist: painter Hans Hofmann ...
Billy Bang
by Robert Spencer
Violinist Billy Bang is a marvelous bridge from early jazz - his strong influence and tribute subject Stuff Smith - to the most cutting-edge innovations of the avant-garde. His violin playing is astonishingly versatile, encompassing the lyricism of classical playing, a considerable rhythmic sense, and a flair for the dramatic that makes his solos consistently listenable ...
Billy Bang
by Elliott Simon
Thirty years ago, violinist Billy Bang began to redefine his instrument?s place in jazz history. A singular voice, he soon joined that handful of individuals who have inventively adapted the violin?s timbre and super soprano range to demanding improvisational music. As such, it is easy to draw a straight evolutionary line from jazz pioneer Stuff Smith ...
Ben Dixon
by Russ Musto
Back in the ‘60s Ben Dixon was one of the busiest musicians on the soul jazz scene as house drummer in the legendary Blue Note Records’ rhythm section, with Big John Patton and Grant Green, that recorded with many of the decade’s funkiest players. Dixon performed on dozens of sessions led by the organist and guitarist ...
The Latin Side of Conrad Herwig
by AAJ Staff
Catching up with trombonist Conrad Herwig isn’t easy. But in between recording sessions for a new album and preparations for a trip to a jazz festival in Uruguay, he paused long enough for a telephone interview – and a discussion of his musical career focusing on his recording projects, The Latin Side of Miles Davis and ...
