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…
A new compilation of New Orleans musicians is being released to benefit the victims of the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes.
Our New Orleans (Nonesuch) features a wide range of prominent Louisiana musicians performings songs that are identified with their home state. Net proceeds from the sale of the disc will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International and a portion of these funds will help provide housing for musicians who lost their homes because of the hurricanes.
Participants include Dr. John (“World I Never Made”), BeauSoleil (“L’ouragon,” which translates as “The Hurricane”), Irma Thomas (“Back Water Blues”), Preservation Hall Jazz Band (“Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans”), and Randy Newman with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (“Louisiana 1927”).
Allen Touissaint, who contributes two songs to Our New Orleans told the disc’s liner note writer, Nick Spitzer, “My Steinway, my records, my arrangements, my studio — it’s all gone. I had eight feet of water in my house near Bayou St. John. But the spirit didn’t drown. I still have my music. Give me a hammer. I’m ready to do my part.”
“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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There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
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.
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Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“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.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
