Jazz Master

Jazz was the first music Randy Brecker heard in his home, and says “bebop is at the root of everything.” While growing up in Philadelphia, he was exposed to a plethora of musical styles. Brecker relocated to New York in 1966, during what he calls “an exciting time!” He was …

iRock Jazz writer, Willow Neilson, speaks with New Orleans pianist and vocalist Henry Butler, an accomplished musician as well as a celebrated photographer not having “sight.” Butler is lauded as one of the greatest living proponents of classic New Orleans piano styles. However, our conversation with him reveals his unique …

Surrounded by music since she was a small child, twenty-three year old singer, songwriter and composer Chrisette Michele has been blessed with an old soul and this Long Island bred songwriter and vocalist has a deep appreciation for the harmonic foundations that includes gospel and jazz. “I did my first …

Kenny Garrett photo by Keith Major Kenny Garrett has been a prominent voice on the alto saxophone for over 30 years. He has developed his own musical identity through experiences such as: performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra; Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and Miles Davis. His latest album, …

Billy Hart, photo by Louis Byrd III Billy Hart is one of the wise elders of Jazz, or Modern American Classical music, as is his preferred title. He has not only performed and recorded with some of the great figures of the music, such as Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. …

Born and raised in Israel, Uri Gurvich won the Jazz Player of the Year competition in Israel before relocating to Boston to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music studying under Joe Lovano. He has played at prestigious jazz festivals and venues in Europe, Japan and the US, including Lincoln …

Jessy J has a gangbuster career already, scoring back-to-back hits, #1 Song of the Year and a #1 Billboard Album in 2011, five years after making her debut she’s back with her highly anticipated Self Produced album entitled Second Chances. Jessy J burst onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2008, …

“One of the most identifiable and consistently enjoyable singers in underground soul.” – Jazziz Magazine “Maysa’s voice is as smooth and as rich as chocolate…its pure, perfect tone is gorgeous and caresses with a languorous sensuality.”-Blues And Soul Magazine Maysa is the kind of singer who takes hold of a …

Hear Roy Hargrove, Terence Blanchard, Poncho Sanchez, Wallace Roney, Gregory Porter and Kenny Barron talk about what it takes to make in the music business.

Jazz pianist, keyboardist, producer and composer Marc Cary holds tight to his roots in Washington, D.C.’s go-go music scene, but they represent only one more element to fuse with the many other musical forms he explores. Cary’s interests run from Indian classical to Malian music to hip-hop. He started his …

Hailing from Oakland, California, 25-year old Mara Hruby captured our hearts in 2010 with her EP release titled From Her Eyes. Her vintage style and soulful sounds soon became an internet firestorm as she captivated hearts all over the world. She paid tribute to those before her in her smash …