Jul 31, 2024 11:39 AM
Nick Finzer Spotlights J.J. Johnson’s Centennial
J.J. Johnson (1924–2001) earned his rightful place in jazz history. But fellow trombonist Nick Finzer thinks that…
Finzer, second from left, with drummer Lewis Nash, left, bassist Rufus Reid, second from right, and pianist Renee Rosnes.
Jul 31, 2024 11:39 AM
J.J. Johnson (1924–2001) earned his rightful place in jazz history. But fellow trombonist Nick Finzer thinks that…
“I think his music is amazing, but I want other people to be engaged with his music as well,” said vocalist Fay Victor about composer Herbie Nichols.
Jul 23, 2024 1:35 PM
Herbie Nichols is one of the great should-have-been stories in jazz. Born in New York in 1919 to parents from Trinidad…
“I had wanted to create a project honoring my relationship with a number of bodies of water that have been very impactful in my life,” says Stephan Crump.
Jul 23, 2024 1:31 PM
Over the last three decades, bassist Stephan Crump has established himself as one of the significant voices in jazz…
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats are among the few seated at the head table in the royal court of blues.
Jul 23, 2024 1:26 PM
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats: The Hits Keep Coming (Alligator; 48:53 ★★★★) Rick Estrin and his nattily dressed…
Teiku plays to the spiritual side of Jewish ancestral songs with avant-jazz soundscapes.
Jul 23, 2024 1:21 PM
577 Records has a knack for discovering exceptional emerging artists and bringing them to the forefront of jazz and…
Sonny Rollins’ A Night At The Village Vanguard was the first album documenting the saxophonist as a bandleader in live performance.
Jul 23, 2024 1:09 PM
So much praise has been heaped (deservedly) on tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ A Night At The Village Vanguard since…
“I figured you’d get this one,” laughed John Clayton, left, after Rufus Reid guessed Billy Childs. “This one’s a little soft pitch.”
Jul 16, 2024 2:35 PM
When the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers symposium hit Nashville in May, one of the most…
Saxophonist George Coleman, seated left, captivated a sold-out room at Smoke Jazz Club in April.
Jul 16, 2024 2:24 PM
In November 2022, Charles McPherson found himself in a familiar setting. Flanked on either side by his fellow artists,…
Finzer, second from left, with drummer Lewis Nash, left, bassist Rufus Reid, second from right, and pianist Renee Rosnes.
Jul 16, 2024 2:18 PM
J.J. Johnson (1924–2001) earned his rightful place in jazz history. But does he receive enough recognition? Fellow…
From left, BDR’s Cody Davies, Tyreek Jackson and Mike LaBombard. “There’s a long history and precedent for what we do,” says drummer and bandleader Joe Pignato.
Jul 16, 2024 2:08 PM
In a prior lifetime, back in the 1990s, Joe Pignato was a dedicated record company guy, first as the U.S. rep for Kurt…
