Jazz World: Goodbye, Wayne Shorter; DC Jazz Fest; Sara Caswell’s “The Way to You”; LaRue Nickelson’s tribute to Wes Montgomery

I dislike ranking art and artists, because it always seems counter to the spirit of creativity — music is not … 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

Farewell, Ira Sabin, a Major Force in the Jazz World

Farewell to Ira Sabin, a jazz drummer who turned his attention to jazz journalism. In 1970, Sabin founded the publication … More

Public Libraries For the Win!

(BOOKS) Libraries have been a big part of my education since elementary school, when I regularly checked out books from … More

RIP, Hugh Masekela

Hugh Masekela was a rarity — A global jazz star who didn’t hail from the US. Born in South Africa, … More

Disc of the Day: Wynton Kelly Trio/Wes Montgomery, “Smokin’ in Seattle”

Wynton Kelly Trio/Wes Montgomery, “Smokin’ in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse” (Resonance Records) Before Wes Montgomery became the commercially successful … More

Shorter Gets a Guggenheim

The disappointing news: Only one jazz artist received a Guggenheim Fellowship this year. The good news: Wayne Shorter has won … 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

“Kind of Blue” Redux: Brilliant Art-Project Gambit or Gimmick?

The critically acclaimed NYC band Mostly Other People Do the Killing, led by bassist Moppa Elliott, often offers jazz and … 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