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…
Trumpeter Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra will release its first disc, MTO Volume 1 (Sunnyside) on Aug. 1.
Bernstein became intrigued with the sound of 1920s territory bands while he was working on the score to the film Kansas City .
“I was wondering what would happen if you played this music live again,” Bernstein said. “Because any version of this music that we have is like a three-minute bad recording. We know what it looks like because there’s all these great pictures of guys in tuxedos holding their instruments. But it’s almost like there’s more pictures of the music than there are recorded documents of the music. I wanted to bring this music back to life.”
Along with Bernstein, the band features guitarist Matt Munisteri, violinist Charlie Burnham, trombonist Clark Cayton, clarinetist/tenor saxophonist Doug Wieselman, saxophonists Peter Apfelbaum and Eric Lawrence, bassist Ben Allison and drummer Ben Perowsky.
“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.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
