Jazz Master

Derrick Hodge fell in love with the electric bass when he was seven at Beulah Baptist Church in Philadelphia, and has never looked back. He continued developing his talent at Temple University, and while touring with Jill Scott. He has collaborated on over fifty albums with other artists such as …

Kem Owens has a timeless appeal, which draws his fans into each lyric he sings. This Detroit native has graced the charts with music, which keeps us tuned in for his next creative project. This singer, songwriter, and producer, has a style that he solely owns, and is respected for doing. …

Talib Kweli has released some of the most seminal albums in hip-hop, such as Reflection Eternal with DJ Hi Tek, and Black Star his collaboration with Mos Def — among many other great releases. He appears as a guest with some of the cream of hip-hop, including Kanye West, Common …

Grammy Award winning  jazz saxophonist Gary Bartz first came to New York In 1958 to attend the Julliard Conservatory of Music. Just 17 years old, Gary couldn’t wait to come to the city to play and learn. “It was a very good time for the music in New York, at …

iRock Jazz caught up with the Grammy Award winning artist pianist and composer Robert Glasper. Glasper defines Jazz, why his music matters and more. “Real music is crash protected,” state the liner notes of Black Radio, a future landmark album by the Robert Glasper Experiment that boldly stakes out new musical territory and …

Saxophonist and educator Victor Goines explains what jazz is, how jazz music helps shape the democrat process and the advantages New Orleans musicians have over the music. SAXOPHONIST • CLARINETIST • COMPOSER • ARRANGER • EDUCATOR 
Born: August 6, 1961, 
New Orleans, Louisiana

 “Laconic yet agile, serious yet playful, studied …

Though Paul Jackson Jr. never got to meet or work with Wes Montgomery, one of his chief guitar influences, he has forged professional relationships with all the others who touched his formative years, including Earl Klugh, George Benson, Ray Parker Jr., Al McKay and Lee Ritenour. Since breaking into the Los Angeles …

iRock Jazz interviewed several groundbreaking musicians asking them, what is JAZZ? Great insight and commentary from Robert Glasper, Casey Benjamin, Danilo Perez, George Bohanon, Delfeayo Marsalis, Victor Goines, Gary Bartz and Etienne  Charles. Jazz is a music genre that originated at the beginning of the 20th century, arguably earlier, within …

Chris Turner, originating from Oakland, California knew at the age of four he wanted to be a singer. What he didn’t know was the impact his sound would have on the world. Whether you listen to Hip-Hop, R&B, or jazz, Chris will definitely satisfy your need for music. His sounds …

Gregory Porter is now three for three. The “soul/jazz” singer/songwriter has delivered a third instant classic with his new offering, Liquid Spirit. Only this time, he’s doing it on a grander stage: a major label. Blue Note is arguably the most famous brand among record companies, responsible for hallowed albums …

In January, singer Jose James celebrated his new allegiance to Blue Note Records by releasing his album No Beginning No End. Over two years in the making, the album, co-produced by James and bassist Pino Pallidino, was an amalgamation of all of James’ vast range of influences – soul, blues, …

Grammy Award-winning artist Earl Klugh tells how he keeps it fresh, balancing his Smooth Jazz Style with new Jazz artists in an ever-changing genre, Jazz. He brings an air of levity, friends, and fun into the production of his annual Boardmoor Jazz Festival amidst the Colorado Rockies. Earl received his …