Jan 2, 2024 11:37 PM
Pianist Les McCann, Soul-Jazz Standard-Bearer, Dies at 88
Les McCann, a jazz pianist and vocalist who helped soul-jazz keep a foothold in mainstream pop music — in the process…
McCann’s deep roots in gospel and the blues gave his music a gritty, earthy quality and a large supply of soulful licks.
Jan 2, 2024 11:37 PM
Les McCann, a jazz pianist and vocalist who helped soul-jazz keep a foothold in mainstream pop music — in the process…
“I really respect people who could learn this vocabulary and find a way to express it in a way that is so unique,” Nduduzo Makhathini said of the late pianist Don Pullen during his live Blindfold Test.
Jan 2, 2024 11:19 PM
Much powerful and resonant music has emanated from South Africa and, in part due to the reprehensible cultural scatter…
“No matter what you produce or do in your life, the thing you’ll be remembered for is rescuing all that Blue Note material,” Woody Shaw once said of Michael Cuscuna, and Cuscuna is fine with that.
Jan 2, 2024 11:13 PM
Once upon a time, a tiny handful of early jazz critics wrote about rare old jazz records like priests talking about the…
Calligram founders Geof Bradfield (left) and Chad McCullough are dedicated to putting out physical product.
Jan 2, 2024 11:03 PM
Texas tenorist Geof Bradfield’s playing possesses a steely grandeur and deep sophistication. He’s grown a…
Pops at home in Corona, Queens.
Dec 27, 2023 12:44 PM
On July 6, the hottest day in recorded history, a new institution devoted to the man who gave the world “hot” jazz…
Davis says, “I wouldn’t call myself a jazz musician; my music is more about crossing boundaries.” Her band Alula, from left: Chris Tordini, Davis, Tyshawn Sorey and Val Jeanty.
Dec 27, 2023 12:32 PM
A rigorous intellectual, Caroline Davis makes intensely visceral music that mines everything from the cardiology of the…
“They were so in tune with each other, every note just works,” O’Connell said of Bill Evans and Jim Hall’s duo take on “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You.”
Dec 27, 2023 12:22 PM
In his first Blindfold Test, pianist and composer Bill O’Connell worried a bit about guessing artists correctly but…
Henry Threadgill was a major presence at this year’s Jazzfest Berlin.
Dec 27, 2023 12:09 PM
The intricate and thoughtful music of pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and guitarist Mary Halvorson opened the well-curated…
Chick Corea’s Elektric Band heads up a stellar group of boxed sets.
Dec 19, 2023 11:22 AM
Looking for that perfect last-minute gift? There’s plenty to choose from in this year’s edition of the DownBeat…
Vocalist Samara Joy reveals a core of benevolence on A Joyful Holiday.
Dec 18, 2023 7:15 PM
’Tis the season. You enjoy Christmas music, but are leery of listening to the same old albums. Bored with, oh, the…
