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…
Singer Natalie Cole recently signed a recording deal with Verve Records. The contract reunites her with Verve Music Group Chairman Tommy LiPuma, who produced Cole’s 1991 release Unforgettable.
“Working with Tommy again is like returning home,” Cole said. “He is so good with this kind of music. I feel very fortunate that he really understands what I do, which is evidenced by Unforgettable and the new album. We have grown together and we are very compatible. I am looking forward to more great work with Tommy and Verve,” she said of her move to the label.
“It is an honor to work with Natalie again after all these years,” LiPuma said. “I am thrilled that she has joined the Verve family and that she will be continuing in the great tradition of vocalists that have always been a cornerstone of Verve Records.”
Unforgettable earned six Grammy awards, including Album of the Year, and has sold over 14 million units worldwide. Cole and LiPuma are currently putting the finishing touches on Cole’s Verve debut, set for a fall 2002 release.
“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.…