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…
Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 1 on Smoke Sessions Records.
(Photo: Courtesy Smoke Sessions)Smoke Sessions Records has expanded its growing list of vinyl offerings. In addition to the mammoth five-LP box of guitarist Peter Bernstein (see Boxed Sets article), the label has recently released three other vinyl gems.
Steve Davis
Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 1
When trombonist Steve Davis met pianist Hank Jones with bassist Peter Washington in June of 2008, the recording was never released. Well, here it is now on vinyl, an intimate trio date where the elder statesmen and the younger generation beautifully glide through the American Songbook.
Eddie Henderson
Witness To History
The trumpet icon celebrates the 50th anniversary of his debut recording with a new set that features pianist George Cables, saxophonist Donald Harrison, bassist Gerald Cannon and drummers Lenny White and Mike Clark. At the age of 83, Henderson uses the opportunity to look back at his prodigious career and tip his hat to a documentary about his life that’s coming out in 2024. This is being offered as a limited pressing of 500 pieces, so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Hays Street Hart
Bridges
This trio of Kevin Hays on piano, Ben Street on bass and Billy Hart on drums came together in December 2020 as a performance in honor of drummer Hart’s 80th birthday. The venue: New York’s Smoke Jazz & Supper Club; the time: smack dab in the middle of the pandemic. So, it was streamed with no audience, but became the trio’s 2021 debut, All Things Are. Spin ahead two years and the group regrouped for a second, and that recording is now available on vinyl. The trio melds styles, generations and times to deliver music for now.
Click here to read this article in the December 2023 issue.
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“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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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…
