Feb 3, 2025 10:49 PM
The Essence of Emily
In the April 1982 issue of People magazine, under the heading “Lookout: A Guide To The Up and Coming,” jazz…
Whether riffing on his latest album, his dynastic jazz family, his formative experiences in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his teaching experiences, his interest in science or his love of sports, Branford Marsalis speaks his truth.
(Photo: Scott Chernis)During 2019, DownBeat published hundreds of articles and album reviews. What’s below, though, are some features and web stories that seemed to have stuck out, whether for the sheer quality of the prose or simply the importance, thoughtfulness or audacity of the performers who were profiled.
There’s a lot to wade through, so take your time, and let the intensity and virtue of each of these players wash over you. Your new favorite recording might be buried in there somewhere.
For a look at some of our best stories from 2018, head over here. DB
Alicia Olatuja Has Faith in Her Voice
A Renewed Spotlight on Anthony Braxton
Branford Marsalis Discusses the Genre, Teaching Music and Getting Up Early
Brian Blade Leads ‘Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration’
Church of St. John Coltrane Marks 50 Years, Sets Fundraiser
The Complex Sounds of Caspar Brötzmann
Cultivating the Legacy of Sam Rivers
ECM and Manfred Eicher on the Search for the Sublime
Eric Dolphy: The ‘Prophet’ of Freedom
For New Live Recording, Dave Liebman Heads Back Out ‘On The Corner’
Gilles Peterson on U.K. Scene, Brownswood, Starting a New Festival
Guitarist Rez Abbasi Crafts New Soundtrack for 1929 Silent Film ‘A Throw Of Dice’
How Musicians Are Evolving the Legacy of Resistance
The Kaleidoscopic Colors of Hiromi’s Pianism
Ivan Conti’s Been Combining Jazz, Rock, Samba for Decades
Jamaaladeen Tacuma and The Last Poets Move Beyond the Nation’s Combative Moment
James Carter Reimagines the Art of Django Reinhardt
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque Fosters Connection Between Cuban Music, Jazz
Jazzmeia Horn is Steeped Tradition, Yet Fully Planted in the Present
Jenny Scheinman on Risk, Adventure and Starting a New Band with Allison Miller
Jerry Bergonzi Shines with ‘Seven Rays’
Joshua Redman Finds ‘Founts of Inspiration’
Kendrick Scott at the ‘Height of Optimism’
Kenny Barron on Compatibility, Writing and Mulgrew Miller
Linda May Han Oh Reaches Across the Musical Spectrum
Melissa Aldana’s Indisputable Command
Mike Patton, Jean-Claude Vannier Collaboration Predicated on Versatility
Miles Davis Documentary Premieres, Portraying a Man of Contradictions
Miles Davis’ ‘Rubberband’ Finally Arrives
Noah Preminger in Perpetual Motion
Now’s the Time for Brandee Younger
Patrice Rushen’s Journey Through Jazz, Pop and Hollywood
Poncho Sanchez Provides the Percussive Punctuation
The Price, Cost and Value of Digital Music
Ron Carter, Beatniks and Corrective History
Sara Gazarek Charts Path Through Loss, Heartache on ‘Thirsty Ghost’
Separated by 50 Years, Israels, Diehl Find Common Ground
Terri Lyne Carrington Transforms the Culture
Theo Croker is a ‘Catalyst for Action’
The Transformative Power of Nat ‘King’ Cole
Three British Labels are Deep in Dialogue with the American Jazz Tradition
“She said, ‘A lot of people are going to try and stop you,’” Sheryl Bailey recalls of the advice she received from jazz guitarist Emily Remler (1957–’90). “‘They’re going to say you slept with somebody, you’re a dyke, you’re this and that and the other. Don’t listen to them, and just keep playing.’”
Feb 3, 2025 10:49 PM
In the April 1982 issue of People magazine, under the heading “Lookout: A Guide To The Up and Coming,” jazz…
As Ted Nash, left, departs the alto saxophone chair for LCJO, Alexa Tarantino steps in as the band’s first female full-time member.
Mar 4, 2025 1:29 PM
If only because openings for JLCO’s 15 permanent positions appear about as frequently as sub-freezing days on the…
Larry Appelbaum with Wayne Shorter in 2012.
Feb 25, 2025 10:49 AM
Larry Appelbaum, a distinguished audio engineer, jazz journalist, historian and broadcaster, died Feb. 21, 2025, in…
“If you don’t keep learning, your mind slows down,” Coleman says. “Use it or lose it.”
Jan 28, 2025 11:38 AM
PolyTropos/Of Many Turns — the title for Steve Coleman’s latest recording on Pi and his 33rd album overall —…
“This is one of the great gifts that Coltrane gave us — he gave us a key to the cosmos in this recording,” says John McLaughlin.
Mar 18, 2025 3:00 PM
In his original liner notes to A Love Supreme, John Coltrane wrote: “Yes, it is true — ‘seek and ye shall…
