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…
Twin Talk is set to issue its second full-length, Weaver, through the online platform PEOPLE on Feb. 8.
(Photo: Maren Celest)Twin Talk, a Chicago-based trio, is set to issue its second album, Weaver, through PEOPLE on Feb. 8.
Reedist Dustin Laurenzi, bassist/vocalist Katie Ernst and drummer Andrew Green can be found contributing to recorded works or live performances across Chicago that alternately adhere to the strictures of jazz or simply seek to explode them—Ernst make’s an appearance on bassist Matt Ulery’s recent Sifting Stars (Woolgathering). But on “Human Woman,” the troupe finds a middle ground, one where Twin Talk expresses both it’s melodic rigor and appetite for adventure. The song, which premieres below, moves through pulsing rhythms and calming refrains as Ernst wordlessly vocalizes, weaving in and out of Laurenzi’s lines.
“There’s a power within a human voice that comes through even without words,” Ernst wrote in an email. “We create countermelodies between saxophone, voice, and bass that give us a wide palette of sounds and emotions to explore.”
It’s an approach that enlivens Weaver and turns what could have been a traditional trio recording into something much more.
For additional information about the band, visit Twin Talk’s homepage. DB
“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.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
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.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
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…
