Catch up on the careers of the music’s greatest and latest artists.
“I think that the greatest thing to have happened has been George Floyd.” What? As an artist, Henry Threadgill has never shied away from provocation. … Read More “Henry Threadgill Continues Challenging Colleagues, Listeners, and Himself”
On an unseasonably warm evening in December, just at the opening break of Omicron and yet another shift in everyone’s lives, alto saxophonist/composer Immanuel Wilkins … Read More “Immanuel Wilkins Aims to Communicate the Spirit Within on The 7th Hand“
Today there are more important jazz musicians who come from outside the United States than ever before. Some stay home and strengthen their local scenes. … Read More “Misha Tsiganov Takes the Hard Way”
On Southside Sounds, her self-released 2017 debut, pianist Alexis Lombre deftly balanced her instrument’s dual rhythmic and melodic roles. Her percussive, wide-fingered lower-register splays created … Read More “Alexis Lombre Plays and Hears Music Without Borders”
The jazz press noted the death of pianist Frank Kimbrough, who succumbed to an apparent heart attack at 64 on December 30, 2020, but gave … Read More “Frank Kimbrough: An Overlooked Composer”
For better or worse, Brian Jackson’s name will be forever tied to his symbiotic collaboration with Gil Scott-Heron. Mostly for better, because the two produced … Read More “Overdue Ovation: Brian Jackson Emerges from Behind the Curtain”
Earl Newman wasn’t much of a jazz fan back in 1963 when he was hired to produce a poster promoting the Monterey Jazz Festival; the … Read More “Earl Newman: The Monterey Jazz Festival Poster Man”
Jazz music really was a saving grace in my life,” says pianist, composer, and bandleader Helen Sung. She approaches the big statement with little ceremony, … Read More “Helen Sung: A Force for Progress”
America’s most famous harpist is Harpo Marx: he of the curly mop of hair, sealed lips, and an overcoat full of props. When he sat … Read More “Improvising Heaven: The Harp in Jazz”
If you heed her peers and colleagues’ opinions, Renee Rosnes is the jazz equivalent of a “five-tool” baseball player: that rare athlete who possesses the … Read More “Renee Rosnes Reaching for a New Level”
