Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
In Memoriam: Wayne Shorter, 1933-2023
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
Kurt Elling’s upcoming album, The Questions, features songs combining the singer’s own writing with well-known poems.
(Photo: Anna Webber)Vocalist Kurt Elling has a new disc, The Questions, slated for release March 23 on the OKeh imprint. Today, he debuts “A Happy Thought,” which prominently features Chicago-bred pianist Stu Mindeman.
The track finds Elling in a contemplative mode with supple, tasteful backing from drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts. Mulling over death and fear, the singer slowly moves through the composition, arriving at the conclusion that maybe there’s really not too much to worry about.
Elsewhere on The Questions, Elling’s joined by genre stalwarts like saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trumpeter Marquis Hill. For more information about the album, as well as upcoming tour dates, visit Elling’s homepage. DB
Shorter performing at the 2015 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle.
Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
“There was a time I decided I was not a composer, only an improvisor, and I find that very difficult to do with one hand,” Jarrett says. “Jumping off a cliff takes two hands and two feet.”
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Keith Jarrett can do more with his right hand than most pianists can with two. As he pulls the protective cloth from…
Burt Bacharach with Carol Bayer Sagar and Miles Davis in 1984.
Feb 14, 2023 11:26 AM
Burt Bacharach, who died in Los Angeles at age 94 on Feb. 8, was among the last of a small, oddly isolated island of…
Samara Joy gives her acceptance speech at the Grammys on Feb. 5.
Feb 7, 2023 12:02 AM
Jazz vocalist Samara Joy was crowned Best New Artist during this year’s Grammy Awards on Feb. 5. The deeply emotive…
The album Alive At The Village Vanguard (Palmetto), featuring Hersch on piano and spalding on vocals, was recorded in 2018.
Feb 7, 2023 12:05 AM
Fred Hersch was in good spirits, appearing relaxed on the video screen from his New York City loft. The pianist turned…
