Jan 24, 2023 11:48 AM
Remembering Jeff Beck
One of an iconic triumvirate of ’60s rock guitar gods, along with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck set the…
A live Alice Coltrane recording from 1972 marks a turning point in her music.
(Photo: DownBeat Archives)Ambrose Akinmusire, A Rift In Decorum: Live At The Village Vanguard (2017)
Akinmusire is one of those rare players who can deliver a smile, a scowl, a surprise and a tear by simply telling stories through his trumpet. On A Rift In Decorum, his third album for the Blue Note label, Akinmusire presents this artistry live at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York. This program documents his longtime working quartet of Sam Harris on piano, Harish Raghavan on bass and Justin Brown on drums, playing very intimate music in one of the world’s greatest jazz shrines.
Dianne Reeves, Light Up The Night (Live In Marciac) (2016)
The inimitable Reeves—accompanied by guitarist Romero Lubambo and an all-star cast—works through some familiar tunes, as well as her own composition “Cold.”
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane, At Carnegie Hall (2005)
Recorded in 1957, this particular date is notable not just for Trane joining in on a set of the bandleader’s tunes, but also because the group Monk frequently worked with (including mainstay saxophonist Charlie Rouse) is wholly supplanted by other performers here. Despite that—or maybe because of that—there’s no shortage of notable moments from either marquee player.
Mary Lou Williams, Live At The Keystone Korner (2002)
Williams opens this 1977 recording by explaining the history of jazz to the audience, and then launches into a solo exhibition that effortlessly moves through time and styles. Her rhythm section chimes in on subsequent tracks, but that initial burst of music perfectly encapsulates the pianist’s immense talent.
John Coltrane, The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings (1997)
Recorded the same year as Ornette Coleman’s Free Jazz, the music captured here is the sound of change. And it’s a sound that jazz still is grappling with today.
Geri Allen/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian, Live At The Village Vanguard (1991)
Recorded in 1990 and released the following year, this album documents a stellar trio wading into compositions by each band member, including Haden’s tribute to Alice Coltrane, “For Turiya.”
“In the pantheons of guitar players, Jeff was the chosen one,” said Steve Vai of the late Jeff Beck.
Jan 24, 2023 11:48 AM
One of an iconic triumvirate of ’60s rock guitar gods, along with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck set the…
Dec 13, 2022 3:52 PM
Need some additional gift ideas for the jazz fan on your shopping list? Check out DownBeat’s Best Albums of 2022.
Author Richard Koloda spent two decades researching this addition to the legend of free-jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler.
Dec 13, 2022 12:15 PM
When considering what to buy those who are impossible to buy for (guilty, as charged), loved ones can’t go wrong with…
New York City shaped the motifs that run throughout Basquiat’s work. Shown here are his pieces King Zulu (left) and Dog Bite/Ax to Grind.
Dec 6, 2022 12:35 PM
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s bold and challenging images have gone from their origins in the streets of New York to…
Gretchen Valade
Jan 3, 2023 12:45 PM
EDITOR’S NOTE: As this edition of the DownBeat Enewsletter was about to go out, we learned of the passing of jazz…