Jul 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ars Nova Workshop: 25 Years of Community Building
Robert Whalley moved to Philadelphia in the early 2000s with an omnivorous appetite for music. Growing up in England,…
“I want to build an organization that is reflective of the values of improvisation,” says Mark Christman, founder of Ars Nova Workshop.
Jul 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Robert Whalley moved to Philadelphia in the early 2000s with an omnivorous appetite for music. Growing up in England,…
“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…
“What if we started a record label?” was the question posed by Shifting Paradigm artist and co-founder Zacc Harris.
Jul 8, 2025 7:24 AM
Artist-run labels have long played key roles in jazz history. Many, like Debut (co-founded by Charles Mingus and Max…
“I was playing under a tree one day and then for a Beatle the next day,” Robin Nolan says of his friendship with the late George Harrison.
Jul 8, 2025 7:17 AM
It was through a masterstroke of serendipity that Dutch guitarist Robin Nolan came to meet ex-Beatle George Harrison…
“As human beings, when we talk to one another we can come together in one community,” said Sunny Jain, leader of Red Baraat. “To me, that’s the most important thing.”
Jul 1, 2025 11:58 AM
When Red Baraat hits the stage and starts pumping out its ecstatic melange of genre-busting music that fuses 18th…
“I would follow Barry [Harris] wherever he went,” Pasquale Grasso says of one of his early mentors. “His concept of music resonated with me, and I loved how he approached it.”
Jun 24, 2025 12:27 PM
Pasquale Grasso plays virtuosic guitar in a style that incorporates intricate harmonies and bebop phrasing with a…
“It’s the friendships, the shared experiences and the rhythms and harmonies that tie us together across cultures,” says Rachel Therrien.
Jun 24, 2025 11:59 AM
What constitutes a home? Is it a physical place, a space shared with loved ones? A feeling? Montreal/New York trumpeter…
“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…
“I’m not sure if everybody wants just angry music,” says Tobia Meinhart. “Maybe we need something more hopeful and inspiring instead.”
Jun 17, 2025 10:37 AM
Tobias Meinhart moved from Germany to Brooklyn, New York, 15 years ago to follow his dreams of being a jazz musician.…
“I had no idea I was gonna be a musician,” says Ayala. “God put music on my plate.”
Jun 17, 2025 10:28 AM
Afro-Puerto Rican Jazz (PMC/Miel) is not just the title of bassist/composer Alex “Apolo” Ayala’s follow-up…