Atlantic Road Trip is an intercontinental group of virtuoso musicians who blend their varied influences to create high-octane jazz performances.
The album features the core members Chad McCullough, Miro Herak, and Paul Towndrow, along with a rhythm section of Alyn Cosker and Conor Murray. [ more ]
Red Kite is an album by the jazz quintet led by Jamil Sheriff, who is also the head of the music and education department at Leeds Conservatoire.
All ten tracks on the album are Sheriff originals in the post-bop tradition, with influences that range from Miles Davis to Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley. [ more ]
'Ultrasound' is a joyous and life-affirming jazz album inspired by coming out of London's Covid-darkness into the light.
The album features hook-filled compositions with an easy-swinging yet reflective aesthetic and outstanding solos from the trumpeter Mark Kavuma and tenor saxophonist Theo Erskine. [ more ]
On Andra Day's Cassandra (Cherith),' a Soaring Voice Reaches Inward
Andra Day's unique vocal style draws from a rich tradition of blues, jazz, and soul singers, showcased in her latest album Cassandra (Cherith). [ more ]
Jazz legend Alan Braufman tells us about the most influential albums to his music (Don Cherry, Oscar Peterson, more)
Alan Braufman's new album, Infinite Love Infinite Tears features notable jazz musicians and carries influences from his childhood listening to great artists like Oscar Peterson and Andrew Hill. [ more ]
Lucien Johnson's album 'Ancient Relics' is a spiritually uplifting and mystical collection of tunes with influences from jazz legends like John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. [ more ]
Biba Kopf interviews Evan Parker, asking basic questions that readers might have about free jazz music.
David Toop interviews Robert Wyatt and Alfreda Benge, discussing Wyatt's love for pop music and Benge's perspective on their relationship during the album's making. [ more ]
Julian Siegel Quartet. On tour in England and Ireland, 28 Apr- 7 June
Julian Siegel's quartet showcases virtuosic solos and intense music collaboration, with a focus on creating unique musical identities and innovative sounds within the jazz scene. [ more ]
The Jazz Programme at 2024 Buxton International Festival (4-21 July)
Balanced programming approach with consideration for various factors like instrumental, vocal, genre, geography, and audience diversity.
Highlighting four personal favorites for the festival, including Ian Shaw and Jef Neve with large bands performing at Buxton International Festival. [ more ]
The term 'jazz' in recipes may have originated with Molly Baz, known for her charming way with words.
Jazz in this context typically involves ground nuts or seeds mixed with spices, similar to dukkah, to dress up vegetables and create a saucy coating. [ more ]
#IWD 2024: Alejandra Lopez. Part of Part of 'Giant Steps: #womentothefore'
Alejandra López discovered jazz at a young age, delving into improvised music which became her passion and led her to collaborate with established musicians.
She finds inspiration from prominent figures like Christian McBride, Esperanza Spalding, and explores diverse styles like neo-soul, bringing a fresh and powerful sound to her performances. [ more ]
Miriam Ast - #IWD 2024. Part of 'Giant Steps : Women to the Fore'
Eight European jazz publications are featuring rising female jazz stars in a series called Giant Steps: #Womentothefore for International Women's Day 2024.
Miriam Ast, an accomplished jazz vocalist and band leader, released her debut album, won a Best Vocalist Award, and teaches jazz singing while incorporating European folk songs in her music. [ more ]
Mondays With Morgan: Jim Snidero - new album 'For All We Know'
Jim Snidero's new album 'For All We Know' is a chordless trio album featuring standards showcasing his progression as a self-editor and sound designer.
Snidero's musical journey and creative process have been influenced by his quest to condense his music to its essence, explore new concepts, and cope with frustrations during the pandemic. [ more ]
This album is a compendium of modern jazz from 1957 featuring tracks from both the UK and USA.
The album includes contributions from jazz innovators like Jimmy Deuchar, Kenny Graham, Sir John Dankworth, Mose Allison, Jimmy Giuffre, Ralph Pena, and Lorez Alexandria. [ more ]
Chuck Israels - 'Bass Notes: Jazz in American Culture: A Personal View'
Chuck Israels, an 87-year-old bass player, has written a book about jazz in America that combines autobiographical elements with reflections on his six years as the bass player in Bill Evans' classic trio.
The book contains fascinating material about Israels' path in the jazz world and his experiences playing with Evans, but suffers from some repetition and lack of coherence. [ more ]
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Mondays with Morgan: Adam Cruz - Vortex, London, 13 January
Adam Cruz has upcoming performances in London at the Vortex and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.
Cruz will be playing with bassist Joris Teepe and pianist Barry Green in London, and with pianist Danilo Pérez and bassist John Patitucci on a tour in March. [ more ]
Tony Kinsey - Celebration Concert, 28 Jan, Hampton Hub Club
Tony Kinsey, a star of post-war UK jazz, will have a concert celebrating his music in southwest London.
Kinsey was a prominent figure in the London club scene of the 1950s and played with visiting American jazz stars such as Billie Holiday and Oscar Peterson. [ more ]
5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Strata-East Records
Strata-East Records was founded in 1971 and became a hub for Afrocentric and psychedelic jazz that wasn't accepted by the mainstream.
The label's albums spoke to the Civil Rights struggles of Black Americans and are widely celebrated, with original copies selling for hundreds of dollars.
None of the albums from Strata-East Records are available on Spotify, making this guided tour of the label from 10 writers and musicians essential. [ more ]
Pop, drill and inhuman metalcore: new music to get excited about in 2024
From Brixton, London Recommended if you like Central Cee, Little Simz, Kwengface Up next Mixtape later in 2024; Netflix drama The Kitchen Without wanting to stoke the hype fires too carelessly, this Brixton MC has one of the keenest minds and sharpest tongues in rap music today, not just in the UK but across the world.
Mondays with Morgan: Jennifer Wharton (new album 'Grit & Grace')
Jennifer Wharton's band Bonegasm is known for its trombone-based music, but Wharton wants listeners to forget about the instrument and focus on the music.
The trombone has a versatile range of emotions and plays a crucial role in jazz tradition. [ more ]
Oscar Peterson Trio - 'Con Alma: Live in Lugano, 1964'
Oscar Peterson's 60-year career is considered epic, with his skill as a jazz pianist and accompanist recognized by numerous jazz legends.
The album features Peterson alongside bass player Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen, showcasing their flawless musicianship and tight-knit performance. [ more ]
Fergus McCreadie's solo piano debut shows confidence and authenticity, drawing influence from Keith Jarrett but with a unique blend of Scottish folk, classical, and jazz.
The album features four improvisations and a reprise of a song from McCreadie's previous album, showcasing his versatility and jazz credentials. [ more ]