Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
TC3, the Todd Cochran Trio: Michael Carvin (left), Todd Cochran and John Leftwich
(Photo: Courtesy of toddcochran.com)Pianist Todd Cochran wasn’t satisfied with simply making a video as an extension of his new recording with TC3, Then And Again, Here And Now. He decided to create a short film to capture a piece of his jazz life with trio mates bassist John Leftwich and drummer Michael Carvin.
“I crafted my short film Three Days Before to expand and elaborate on the musical concept of the album Then And Again, Here And Now,” Cochran said. “It is a high-concept film constructed to communicate the story visually, rather than tell it with conversation. The narrative unfolds with music and sound design in conjunction with mixed-media elements. The only voices/spoken words we hear are those of the three band members at the edge of the piece in lively conversation — heard but unseen — in the composited setting of the symbolic train arriving and TC3 in route to a concert performance site. The representation of migration, a central aspect of America’s story and inseparably tied to the evolution of jazz, is on display here, which subliminally establishes the first of a series of double allegories that occur throughout the film.”
For Cochran, music is everywhere and “largely too abundant to expect a wide range of listeners to discern and distinguish” without some help. That’s where the film comes in.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been conscious of the significance of jazz as a matchlessly sublime musical art form and its impact when the messaging is clear and understood,” he said. “My longtime friend [producer] Michael Cuscuna had seen my trio perform live and viewed several of my conceptual music-centered films, and over lunch one afternoon suggested that I give some thought to making a film about my trio. In the blink, he’d sprinkled an idea that soon after took root.”
He invites jazz fans to listen and watch for themselves with Three Days Before. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
