Columbus, OH

Wild-willed vibraphonist Patricia Brennan gets straight down to business without any fanciful mission declaration with the Afro-Cuban, effusively powered, clear-the-dancefloor and blow-the-ceiling-off this joint "Los Otros Yo (The Other Selves)," the opening cut of her third album Breaking Stretch. She does so in a captivatingly, wickedly good way. Brennan—who has...

Patricia Brennan: Breaking Stretch

This is the first edition of the new radio-style Jazz First podcast series "They Call It Jazz." This is my first radio work for 16 years, and 30 years since my days at the BBC. I'm a little rough around the edges and a few tweeks are needed, but generally, I am fairly pleased with the overall production. Every week I select ten brand new releases to keep AAJers bang up to date with "what's new." The page features New York pianist Emmet Cohen with a "behind the track" video about the title track from his new album Vibe Provider. Always in the groove!

Emmet Cohen, Warren Wolf, Miguel Zenon, And More

Although he's better known in educational circles due to his solid commitment to jazz pedagogy as a member of the faculty at Rutgers University, Ralph Bowen has been a vital member of the jazz community since debuting with the group Out of the Blue back in the mid '80s. His adaptability to a diversity of musical situations has made him a valuable sideman over the years, although the opportunities for Bowen to call the shots as a leader have not always been as plentiful. Nonetheless, loyal fans have looked to his sessions for Criss Cross over the years to send up a flag as to his current inspirations and direction.

Ralph Bowen: Five

They are thinning out: the ranks of pianists who can trace their lineage directly back to primary sources like J.J. Johnson, the early Jazz Messengers of Art Blakey, and the Jazztet of Art Farmer and Benny Golson. In the last few years, we have lost Tommy Flanagan, Mal Waldron, Roland Hanna, Dodo Marmarosa, Russ Freeman, Frank Hewitt, and, most recently, John Hicks.

Cedar Walton One Flight Down

Several decades into the jazz reissue boom, first on CD and now increasingly on vinyl, one might imagine the bottom of the barrel is being scraped, and that any newly rediscovered obscurities might at this point have been best left alone. Yet so vast are the archives of recorded jazz that diamonds remain in the mine, exemplified by Green Line, a beautiful document of a single session in Tokyo on September 11, 1970, credited jointly to saxophonist Steve Marcus, bassist Miroslav Vitous, guitarist Sonny Sharrock and drummer Daniel Humair. This well-pressed, gatefold vinyl reissue on the Endless Happiness label is a boon for fans of early fusion, just as it emerged from free jazz and incorporated funk and rock rhythms.

Steve Marcus, Miroslav Vitous, Sonny Sharrock, Daniel Humair: Green Line

Los Angeles County, CA

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

Herbie J Pilato

Actor Van Johnson, who died in 2007, was one of Hollywood's ideal films idols. In the 1940s, the charming screen icon was box office gold, and remained a popular presence on TV in shows like Murder, She Wrote (which starred his good friend Angela Lansbury).

The Secret Gay Life & Horrific Car Accident of Actor Van Johnson: 16 Years After His Tragic Death

Piano players are essential to many music genres, including classical, jazz, blues, and contemporary music. Their skills range from intricate classical compositions to improvisational jazz solos and expressive pop ballads. Pianists often serve as the backbone of musical arrangements, providing harmonic structure, melody, and rhythm. Their performances can range from solo piano pieces to collaborative works with other musicians or orchestras. The versatility of the piano allows players to explore a wide range of styles and techniques, making it a central instrument in both traditional and modern music. The artistry and technical proficiency of piano players contribute significantly to the richness and diversity of musical expression.

15 Best Piano Players of All Time

New York City, NY

Fellow geezers might remember how, in an item describing the atmosphere at New York City's fabled Rainbow Room, The New Yorker's Goings On About Town section sniffed "where a club soda costs about ten dollars," or words to that effect. The Rockefeller Center boîte is no longer open to the public and the Goings On section has lost its last two words and most of its content, but fret not. Gotham glamour is alive and well in the hands of pianist Bill Charlap's peerless trio. Nothing can evoke the swank of Old New York like Gershwin, and Charlap and his longtime mates, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington show how it's done with four perfect choruses of "The Man I Love," briskly swung and perfectly rendered. And Then Again (Blue Note Records, 2024) is a live recording from the Village Vanguard, a very different sort of room than its Midtown counterpart, but no less an icon of New Yorkishness. As if to tie a bow on the concept, Charlap wryly quotes the iconic big tune from "Rhapsody In Blue" in his tag. I love a Gershwin tune. How about you?

Bill Charlap Trio: The Man I Love

Trumpeter and flugelhornist Feya Faku is recognized for his contributions to jazz and has built a significant international presence, collaborating with prominent musicians and participating in prestigious festivals worldwide. His latest project Inkumbulo (Reminiscence) is a celebration of this journey of allyship, marking 20 years of the South African / Swiss Exchange program, a creative cross-pollination including paying tribute to his loved ones.

Inkumbulo With Trumpeter And Flugelhorn Player Feya Faku

Some teachers, a doctor, and a marine biologist sit down around a kitchen table with a few glasses of wine on a Tuesday night to sing a few songs. You may not expect much, but the musical group, Coda, and their harmonies are enough to give you goosebumps. Based out...

LISTEN: Irish group Coda sings hauntingly beautiful song

Luiz Millan's new single, "Madrugada", is a beautiful ballad featuring gorgeous performances by two living legends of contemporary jazz: clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels and vibraphone master Mike Mainieri. Produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro and arranged by Michel Freidenson. Personnel. Date featured. This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or...

Madrugada (featuring Eddie Daniels & Mike Mainieri) by Luiz Millan

Shaun Martin, a Grammy-winning keyboard player for Snarky Puppy and longtime collaborator with gospel star Kirk Franklin, has passed away. Martin died on August 3, at the age of 45, the band announced in a statement shared on social media. While the cause of death has not been revealed, Variety...

Grammy-Winning Musician Shaun Martin Dead at 45

It's been two decades since beloved actor Brian Kelly died of pneumonia at 73 in 2005. Best known as Porter Ricks in the classic TV family show Flipper(NBC, 1964-1967), Kelly had once suffered a paralyzing motorcycle accident that ended his acting career. However, he rechanneld his creative talent and became a producer. This is his story.

The Paralyzing Accident & Tragic Death of TV's 'Flipper' Father Brian Kelly: Two Decades Later

Los Angeles, CA

It's been ten years since the tragic loss of beloved actor Meshach Taylor. He was only 67 years old when he died of cancer in Los Angeles on June 28, 2014. Best known as beloved ex-con Anthony Bouvier on TV's classic sitcom Designing Women (CBS, 1986-1993), Taylor was Emmy nominated for his standout performance. But the actor also appeared in other TV shows and movies. This is his story.

In Memory of TV Star Meshach Taylor ('Designing Women'): 10 Years After His Tragic Death From Cancer

New music from Saxophonist Bill Evans, british band Lydian Collective, The Fearless Flyers, and Finnish guitarist Varre Vartianen with special guest Mike Stern. Australian guitarist Josh Meader, Daniel Weiss, Roman Bondarenko, Antoine Fafard, Gavin Harrison and Danish guitarist Soren Lee. Playlist. Bill Evans "Camel Strut" from Who I Am (Vansman)...

New music with Bill Evans, Lydian Collective, Ron Bosse and Josh Meader

Energy and enthusiasm fairly leap from the speakers—or headphones—on Sharel Cassity's daring "Call to Order," the opening number on Korean-born saxophonist Jordan VanHemert's fifth album as leader, Deep in the Soil. Alas, that same ardor doesn't reappear until track seven (of eight), trombonist Michael Dease's boppish "ST in the House." In between, VanHemert and his companions (group sizes vary from sextet to duo) offer some agreeable music but nothing that approaches the ebullience or cogency of the themes already named.

Jordan VanHemert: Deep in the Soil

Massachusetts State

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny 8lb dog named Bingo who is looking for her forever home. Bingo is a 3-year-old Shih Tzu mix with an adorable appearance and a sweet disposition. However, she needs a patient and understanding owner who recognizes that "dogs are not toys, and not all dogs love to be picked up right away," explains Sandy Paws Rescue Inc. This little lady requires some decompression time upon arriving at her new home to settle in comfortably.

Meet The Sweet Little Lady Looking For Love

It's great to hear an album of intense hard bop coming out of Meanjin's JMI stable of recruits. This scene has been brewing for a long time now, but recordings have been scarce - here's hoping for many more!. —Andrew Garton, Jazz in Meanjin. Eclectic independent label 4000 Records are...

Newly Formed Meanjin Hard Bop Ensemble Méva's Journal Announces Joining 4000 Records And The Release Of Their Debut Album

The song appears on the duo’s upcoming blues album. Renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and legendary drummer Mick Fleetwood have teamed up to release a new rendition of the classic “Whiter Shade Of Pale.” The single, a reimagining of Procol Harum’s iconic song, is the second taste of their highly anticipated collaborative album, Blues Experience, set to drop on October 18th via Forty Below Records.

Mick Fleetwood shares ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro

Holiday Soirée features the dynamic vocals of Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo, and Crystal Starr, whose voices weave together like a cozy winter scarf, wrapping listeners in warmth and cheer. Jazz & Blues Revue Featuring George Kahn Unveils Holiday Magic with New Album “Holiday Soirée”. Los Angeles, CA...

Jazz & Blues Revue Featuring George Kahn Unveils Holiday Magic With New Album 'Holiday Soirée'

NewsBreak

Warren Wolf, Alexis Cole, Sonny Rollins and Leigh Pilzer

From the mind of veteran musician Leigh Pilzer, we get right into the 869th Episode of Neon Jazz. With her Seven Pointed Star, we hear the...

Warren Wolf, Alexis Cole, Sonny Rollins and Leigh Pilzer

Comments / 0