New York is so heavily saturated with jazz musicians that, on any given night, you…
Features
Prequel to a King’s Tale: Illuminating Nat King Cole’s Musical Origins
Nat King Cole, the world thought it knew thee. Presently enjoying a renewed spotlight in…
10 Albums You Need to Know: November 2019
A beloved actor’s sprightly sophomore jazz album; a fascinating archival release celebrating a much-missed saxophonist;…
10 Albums You Need to Know: October 2019
The hotly anticipated return of an acclaimed trio; a pianist closing her 30s with a…
JAZZIZ Not What You Think: Steve Tyrell
Joining JAZZIZ Publisher Michael Fagien on the podcast today is Steve Tyrell, a record producer…
My Gig Bag: Saxophonist Noah Preminger Shares His Touring Essentials
At just 32 years old, the saxophonist Noah Preminger has already racked up an impressive…
Track by Track: Afrosideral, “El Olimpio de los Orishas”
Cuban producer/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Kumar Sublevao-Beat, a.k.a. Afrosideral, boasts a career of over 20 years, over which…
A Life in Music: Remembering Harold Mabern
Harold Mabern, a pianist whose warm, soul-infused playing was a glowing reminder of the indelible bond between jazz and blues, died suddenly on Tuesday, September 17, in New Jersey. He was 83 years old.
Jazz Destinations: Aspen
The city of Aspen, Colorado, recently wrapped up its biggest musical event of the year:…
It’s a Celebration: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Turns 50
So many horn and reed players filled the stage of the New Orleans Jazz &…
All of Me: Jazzmeia Horn Expresses Herself Fully on Her Sophomore Recording
Elegantly attired in a patterned blue-and-yellow gown and matching headscarf, a gold ankh dripping from…
Art Appreciation: A 100th-Anniversary Celebration of Art Blakey
There’s a saying attributed to the drummer Art Blakey: “Music washes away the dust of…
Brother Brecker: A Conversation with Randy Brecker
Randy Brecker has been a prolific composer throughout his recording career, which, as a leader,…
By Way of Cuba: Fabian Almazan’s Latest Recording Documents His Return to the Island of His Birth
It’s mid-afternoon on the last day of May, and Fabian Almazan is settling into his…
The Foodie’s Guide to the Newport Jazz Festival
Most of these are places that won’t strain the budget, and don’t require (or even take) reservations. All of them are only-in-Newport experiences that have become staples of my own festival itinerary, whatever else changes from one year to the next.
Track By Track: Fabian Almazan’s ‘This Land Abounds With Life’
Fabian Almazan has long harbored a connection to nature. Born in Cuba and raised in…
Under the Influence: Frida Kahlo Helps Melissa Aldana Find Her True Voice
As her artwork so vividly shows, Frida Kahlo was well acquainted with tragedy long before…
Perfectly Balanced: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah Walks the Fine Line Between Old and New
Judging by titles alone, it would be easy to mistake Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s recent…
By George, He’s Still Got It!: A Conversation with George Benson
Few careers have been as rich and variegated as that of 76-year-old guitarist extraordinaire George…
Following His Muse: Inspired by Jazz, Andres Chaparro Creates Distinctive Works of Art
Many of Andres Chaparro’s striking mixed-media-on-canvas works bring to mind the audacious neo-expressionist paintings of…
