Jazz Master

Miroslav Vitous, George Benson, and George Benson’s drummer didn’t show up [so] Philly Joe Jones played, and then The Giants of Jazz with Art Blakey,Dizzy, Sonny Stitt, Curtis Fuller, Al McKibbon and Thelonious Monk. Miles was amazing, but I think Dizzy wanted to let the world know that he could outplay …

Jon Faddis has had a long and illustrious career. At the tender age of  18, he joined Lionel Hampton’s Orchestra, then was lead trumpet in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra. He also had stints with Charles Mingus. Renowned as a trumpeter with masterful command of an unparalleled range on the …

At the outset, let me admit my appreciation for Robert Glasper’s Black Radio 2. Ostensibly, the album serves as a continuation of the artist’s postmodern movement through sound. So, if you liked the first as much as I did, you, too, will certainly enjoy his latest serving. I do believe, …

Wynton Marsalis’ orchestra and choir blew the roof off of Boston Symphony Hall on Sunday night. A stirring ensemble of forty female and thirty male vocalists gave a rousing gospel invocation with “The House of The Lord,” while the orchestra swung back and forth over belting vocals and blaring horn …

Jazz greats like Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, or Charlie Parker; or you can stand and listen to a trumpet player blowing sweet sounds out of the doors of the famous musical venue,Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. Louisiana’s rich history for musical talent is known world-wide and that part of …

The proposal to put elements from Brazilian Music, the creativity of Jazz, and the energy of Rock, is challenging.  However, it’s real and is present in the work of pianist Marilia Giller. Marilia Giller was born in Paraná, south of Brazil. She had lived in Montreux in the 1990’s where …

In a career spanning three decades, Kenny Garrett has attained such a renowned status that he is now considered the most innovative and influential alto player of his generation. Garrett, who started his career playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was Miles Davis’s last reedman, has developed a playing …

Savion Glover honors the art form of tap. This dancer, choreographer, and teacher has had the highest regard for the dancers that have paved the way for him and many other tap dancers. In addition, Glover has had the privilege to work with many great Jazz musicians. Glover’s Broadway debut …

Saxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in jazz today. This Chicago native burst onto the scene in 1998 with his debut album Stay Awhile, which was produced by fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson. His catchy singles made him an instant radio favorite and he put out those …

When jazz musicians perform and record “tributes” to the music of another renowned artist, the result is usually prosaic. The player paying “homage” usually performs to the standards the honoree is famous for delivering.  However, when Afro-Cuban pianist Omar Sosa received a commission to take the music of the Miles …

Born in California, Sheila E. is the daughter of Juanita (Gardere), a dairy factory worker, and percussionist Pete Escovedo, with whom she frequently performs. Sheila E’s uncle is Alejandro Escovedo. Tito Puente was Escovedo’s godfather. She is also niece to Javier Escovedo, founder of seminal San Diego punk act, The …

John Coltrane, who was considered one of the most prominent and well known Jazz performers of his time, has inspired many.  However, few people know little about the historical significance of the place he called home.  This home, located in Long Island, N.Y., was where he shared his life with his wife, …