Jazz Master

When it comes to her vocalism, there are few who can match the distinctive sound of Cassandra Wilson. She is a giant of her era; a truly gifted talent, who looks to express herself through multiple genres, styles and sounds. Recently, at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Wilson …

If one keeps good company and/or is mentioned in high regard by others whom are held in such a regard, then that speaks volumes about the qualities and virtues of that person. By simply observing the line-up of musicians who performed at the Jazz for Obama benefit concert in New …

  “Trombones generally sit in the middle of the Jazz band. They keep the trumpets and saxes away from each other. There’s always that love and hate relationship between them.” – Delfeayo Marsalis The name “Marsalis” is synonymous with Jazz, like the name “Kennedy” is to American politics. No other …

IRockJazz had the opportunity to interview Wynton Marsalis back stage at the 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival, and we continued the discussion we began with Ali Jackson about coming up in the Jazz scene as a young musician, and the dedication needed to succeed, along with interesting insights into the Jazz …

  As she reflects on how she fought for social injustice, human rights activist and music composer Sandra Izsadore continues to promote the fight for change in domestic communities and for societies abroad. Recognized historically as the ‘mother of Afrobeat’, Sandra infamously established the genre with the historical, Nigerian music …

On this breezy fall evening, the crowd sits patiently waiting for her arrival. The wine is being poured as the servers dance effortlessly between the chairs and tables. The new darling of the jazz world, Esperanza Spalding is about to grace the stage with her refreshing and inspirational brand of …

[/caption]   “Jazz music is so universal that you can draw upon it; you can bring other cultural influences to jazz and it still remains jazz music.” – Tom Harrell Renowned composer, arranger and trumpeter Tom Harrell has sustained an impressive career that has spanned well over 40 years. He …

    All I can say is wow, what a night! Three talented artists wowed the crowd as they adorned the stage in Chicago’s United Center. The very first on stage on this rainy night was Melanie Fiona, who came out dressed in an all-black fitted, leather, short set. Creating …

“Without great solitude no serious work is possible”  – Pablo Picasso Some of the world’s greatest minds from Mozart to Einstein have extolled the virtues of solitude as necessary catalyst to spark genius. As creativity often flourishes when one is alone, the ability to focus deeply and hear one’s own …

The path to self-discovery can last a lifetime, and Chrisette Michele trots that road through her career as she travels to worlds unknown in song and in self-expression. Since her major debut in 2007, the R&B and soul singer says she’s learned to find her voice in the industry and …

  “I may be little, but I take up a lot of space,” Prince told concert goers at his third and final performance of his “Welcome 2 Chicago” tour at the United Center. After such a long and illustrious career, it was only fitting that Prince would remind his audience …