Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Bassist Charlie Haden returns to his roots for his latest album, Ocean Of Diamonds, out Sept. 23 on Decca. The album features Haden “family songs” as he performs with his wife, son, triplet daughters and close friends. The album includes 19 songs ranging from traditional country to contemporary Americana.
Haden’s son Josh, a former Restless Records Artist with the band Spain, lends his voice to the ballad “Spiritual” and Ruth, a former Verve recording artist, sings the Irish ballad “Down by the Salley Gardens.” Daughters Petra, Tanya, and Rachel are also showcased: Petra is a former member of the Decemberists, Rachel was a founding member of indie-rock group The Rentals and is on tour with Todd Rundgren and Tanya plays in several independent bands around Los Angeles.
Along with jazz partner Pat Metheny, Haden’s friends making an appearance include Vince Gill, Bruce Hornsby, Ricky Skaggs, Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush and others.
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
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“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
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Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
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Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
