Jazz Master

Recording artists carries the awesome responsibility of translating the range of human experience through their gift of song. They must act as the voices of the voiceless. Esperanza Spalding, a Grammy winning bassist/vocalist has fulfilled that responsibility by writing observant lyrics over her vibrant melodies. Like so many others before …

Nnenna Freelon[ You’re never too mature or experienced to learn something new and Nnenna Freelon says she is no exception to the rule. With a professional musical career that spans 20 years and whose work voyaged the world, the songstress continues to stretch her melodic muscles and open her mind …

Maysa Leak has a love for music that runs deep. From singing with the legendary Stevie Wonder to being the lead voice in the British acid Jazz group Incognito, Maysa has always shown her passion for music. With nine solo albums under her belt, this music veteran keeps moving forward. …

Misty Copeland photo by Gregg Delman Ballet is the art of story-telling that is set to music and told through the fluid movement of skilled dancers showcasing sequences such as the faille, grande jeté and extensions of their arabesque. For centuries, audiences have been mesmerized by the repertoire of renowned …

Vincent Gardner   As a musician and an instructor, Vincent Gardner balances the scale of teaching the mechanics of playing Jazz music, yet values the importance of real-life experience in the industry. As one who performed with The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and others while enrolled in …

  “What I love about this music is that it has the capacity to carry the message of empathy.” – Stefon Harris Despite countless references to its oppressive regime, Cuba is home to some of the most engaging Jazz artists in the world today. Afro-Cuban Jazz is a cornerstone in …

IRockJazz had the opportunity to interview Gregory Porter at his recent appearance at Mayne Stage, in Chicago, where he discussed his early influences, and how all his experiences in music impact his style, from formative years in the church choir where his mother was a pastor, to the stage at …

Betty Davis Brooklyn, NY. Saturday, October 6, 2012. It’s 8:45pm just outside the doors of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, located on the third floor of the Brooklyn Museum. Many people congregated there to witness a celebration of rare and innovative music. The auditorium was located on the …

Betty Davis With a new task ahead, Betty Davis embarked on recording her first solo album. She had plenty of songs to choose from, including compositions meant for the Commodores, like “Game is My Middle Name”. As a writer, she would’ve entrusted Just Sunshine to distribute her songs to artists …

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Andy Allo is an up-and-coming artist on the music scene. Allo, the protégé of funk legend Prince, has a truly unique and refreshing sound. With her new album Superconductor out this November, Allo graciously offers the music community with a diverse, sonic collage. Allo is both …

Liz Whether it’s music or cuisine, Lizz Wright says she desires for all of her creations to be an extension of her life and her latest project, Fellowship, is no exception. In her fourth project, the artist fused her Gospel roots with her homage to the work of contemporary artists …

Esperanza Spalding   On Tuesday, Dec. 4, Esperanza Spalding will be using her bass and her vocals to fight for a cause as she headlines “A Night of Freedom”, a benefit concert at New York’s City Winery. The Grammy-winning prodigy from Portland will be playing to raise awareness and funds …