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…
Delmark Records has announced the last set of new releases for 2003, scheduled for release on Oct. 21.
Bassist Josh Abrams’ new album, Cipher, features trumpeter Axel Dorner, saxophonist/clarinetist Guillermo Gregorio and guitarist Jeff Parker. Recorded at Chicago’s Empty Bottle and Riverside Studios, the album’s 10 original compositions represent writing from all members.
Trumpeter Malachi Thompson has collaborated for a third time with big band Africa Brass on his new album, Blue Jazz. Saxophonists Gary Bartz and Billy Harper join the “freebop” player for two suites, the “Black Metropolis” and the “Blues For A Saint Called Louis.”
Saxophonist Fred Anderson has five new 10+ minute compositions on his latest release, Back At The Velvet Lounge. Trumpeter Maurice Brown, guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Tatsu Aoki, drummer Chad Taylor and instrumentalist Harrison Bankhead backed Anderson at the Chicago club session.
Titration is the first studio album from drummer Chad Taylor’s band Active Ingredients. Under the supervision of Bob Koester, Taylor, saxophonists Jemeel Moondoc and David Boykin, bassist Tom Abbs, trombonist Steve Swell, cornetist Rob Mazurek and percussionist Avreeayl Ra recorded the nine original compositions in July of 2002.
Delmark will also release previously issued material in November on 50th Anniversary Saver Series CDs. These albums will include South Side Chicago Blues, Wild About That Thing: Ladies Sing Classic Blues and Chicago Avant Today. They are due out Nov. 18.
For more information, visit www.delmark.com
“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…
“These days, with curated news, where people only get half the story, people can’t even speak to family members anymore,” Schneider laments.
Mar 10, 2026 1:43 PM
Maria Schneider is doing her part to try to fix what ails America. Which got her thinking about crows, specifically,…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
“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.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
