Jazz musicians frequently don’t get the props they deserve. So programs like the Jazz Journalists Association’s annual JJA Awards are … More
Tag: Brian Blade
Best Jazz Discs of 2018
My favorite jazz releases of 2018 (as submitted to JazzTimes mag and elsewhere), listed alphabetically: Kenny Barron Quintet Concentric Circles (Blue Note) … More
Wayne Shorter Rides Again, Via His Sprawling “Emanon”
Few veteran (read: older) jazzers find their way into the pop culture conversation as effortlessly and effectively as Wayne Shorter, … More
Montreal Jazz Fest — Wishing I was there
I’ve had some incredible experiences hearing great performances and soaking up the other jazz happenings at the Montreal International Jazz … More
NPR Music’s Best Jazz of 2014: Steve Lehman, Wadada Leo Smith, Ambrose Akinmusire, more
New releases by saxophonist Steve Lehman, trumpeters Wadada Leo Smith and Ambrose Akinmusire, and saxophonist Sonny Rollins topped the 2014 NPR Music … More
Best Jazz of 2014: Tom Harrell, Chick Corea, Frank Kimbrough, Snarky Puppy & more
In 2014, Jazz meant a profusion of intriguing and sometimes provocative releases by veterans (Tom Harrell) and young stars (Ambrose … More
Jazz is Dead, Again?; Jazz & Colors Festival; Wayne Shorter Returns to Blue Note
Planet Jazz: Notes From All Over Jazz is dead. What, again? Say it ain’t so! At the end of a partially … More
Best Jazz CDs of the Year?
It’s always one of a music critic’s toughest jobs. How do you pick out the “best” recordings, of any genre, … More
Best Jazz CDs of 2008? Down Beat Looks Back
Down Beat’s official critics poll, which isn’t hinged to the calendar year, won’t arrive until August. But the January issue … More
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