Hear that, in the distance? It’s getting closer. Now it’s within earshot and in sight, just two days away. The … More
Tag: John Coltrane
RIP, Hugh Masekela
Hugh Masekela was a rarity — A global jazz star who didn’t hail from the US. Born in South Africa, … More
The Act of Creation
In recent years, I’ve become more involved in writing music, thanks in part to the fact that I co-lead a … 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
Newk in Real Time: Sonny Talks!
It was nothing short of fascinating: Saxophonist Sonny Rollins, the legendary jazz giant, streaming live, in an interview/conversation prompted by a … More
Sam Newsome, “The Art of the Soprano, Vol. 1” (CD review)
(recently published in JazzTimes; direct link) The Art of the Soprano, Vol. 1 isn’t Sam Newsome’s first solo soprano saxophone recording, … More
The Trouble With Top 10 Lists; Also, in the Voice: a Wrongheaded “Greatest Jazz Albums” List
Planet Jazz: Notes From All Over ‘Tis the season. Yes, it’s that time of year when arts and entertainment critics … More
Trumpet Men on the Big Screen: Dueling Miles Davis Biopics?; and a Louis Armstrong Flick
It’s been common knowledge, for a little while, that Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda, the Ocean’s Eleven films) is directing and … More
Sax Men: John Ellis, Sherman Irby, Frank Macchia (CD reviews)
Quick reviews of new releases from three saxophonists – three varied approaches to the art of jazz. John Ellis & Double-Wide, Puppet … More
Letter to Obama: Let Great Jazz Into Your Inauguration Festivities
Dear President-Elect Obama: The word on the street is that you like jazz, you really like jazz. You became hip … More
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