Jazz Master

1959 was the seismic year jazz broke away from complex bebop music to new forms, allowing soloists unprecedented freedom to explore and express. It was also a pivotal year for America: the nation was finding its groove, enjoying undreamt-of freedom and wealth social, racial and upheavals were just around the …

In a career that includes ten Grammy-Awards, multiple platinum albums, and an influence immeasurable in scope, all I can think about is “Be Bop Medley.” It seems strange, I know. Here we are celebrating four decades of Chaka Khan and for whatever reason my mind is fixated on this solitary …

Ray Charles. Miles Davis. Duke Ellington. Donna Summer. Michael Jackson. George Benson. Chaka Khan. Frank Sinatra. Lena Horne. These are some of the greatest, most famous recording artists of the 20th century, all of them linked by a common component: Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. The legendary impresario (calling him a …

Jeremy Pelt, Berklee School of Music graduate and trumpeter extraordinaire offers a physically powerful yet seductive approach within his style of playing. Reminiscent of horn players of yesteryear this new-school cool cat makes you stand and take notice. From his debut CD Profile in 2001 to his latest project Water …

Cheili Minucci represents the second of three generations of musicians. Like his father, Ulpio Minucci, Chieli is a composer and musician. This guitarist and bandleader has been nominated for ten Emmy Awards and has won three. He follows his heart as a musician and is influenced by The Beatles, Duke Ellington, Peter Gabriel, and Glenn …

For over two decades multi-talented guitarist, Norman Brown has been captivating his audiences. This musical innovator is also a composer and singer. Discovered by, the renowned musician and producer, Norman Connors, Brown has remained relevant beyond the years of his 1992 debut album Just Between Us. In 2002 he won …

Legendary saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum gained his love of music from a strong musical family and began his musical career singing in the church choir in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. As with many soul artists, gospel music was a cornerstone in the foundation of an award winning career …

Of those that studied under Thelonious Monk – a list that includes Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bud Powell amongst many others – T.S. Monk may be his most successful pupil. Now before you cry foul, understand this: Education is not simply the accruement of knowledge, but its application. If …

Rachelle Ferrell lives her life just as inspired as her music and voice evokes in her listeners. Sometimes she has the spirit-rising old church sound; at other times she has a jazzy melodic flow that makes you want to sit back relax, dig deep within and feel every emotion her …

The list of next generation jazz greats cannot be complete without the name Kendrick Scott. At just 32 years old, composer, bandleader and drummer his resume is already the stuff of legends. After graduating from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston where Scott won numerous …

People go through periods of change or better yet evolution. A time and space for growth, renewal, and rebirth. Singer and songwriter Angie Stone has come out and over the trials, tribulations, the hurts and pains of the past and has evolved in to a stronger woman who is standing …

Sean Jones has No Need for Words. You will understand why he decided to name his latest project by that exact sentiment when you listen to each track. No voice is needed. It would only distract you from the beautiful notes being played underneath. Listening to the music gives you …