Chicago Jazz Ensemble with Miguel Zenon
The Chicago Jazz Ensemble closed out this year’s season at Chicago’s Harris Theater with a tribute to the legendary Charlie “Bird” Parker. True to form, the Ensemble brought together tradition and innovation by featuring renowned saxophonist and pioneer, Miguel Zenon, recipient of a Guggenheim, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” and multiple …
Anat Cohen at Jazz At The Bistro
The Anat Cohen quartet recently performed for four nights at Jazz At The Bistro in St. Louis. Anat is an Israeli jazz clarinetist, saxophonist and bandleader. She is known for her excellent writing and entertaining stage performances as she enjoys dancing while playing, often alternating between the tenor/soprano saxophones and …
Rachelle Ferrell – Did Ya’ll Feel That? At VIPER ALLEY
It was standing room only at Vipers Alley in Lincolnshire, Illinois. You could see the anticipation and excitement grow among Rachelle Ferrell fans as show time approached. The musicians entered first and began to play and applause erupted. Then, Rachelle, wearing a tiered shimmering, knee length skirt, opaque tights and …
Miguel Zenon – Blended at the Roots
Miguel Zenon’s story is remarkable. Growing up in a barrio in Puerto Rico that was originally a settlement for freed African slaves, he discovered his calling in jazz as a teenager. Miguel arrived in Boston in 1996 having never studied jazz, yet 12 years later he received a MacArthur Genius …
Justin Robinson: Side Ways
Just one listen to Justin Robinson’s robust, multi-layered alto sax and its easy to tell that Charlie “Bird” Parker, the legendary bebop master, is one of his musical heroes. Yet, it is another titanic figure of jazz, John Coltrane that is reminiscent to the quiet confidence displayed in Justin Robinson’s approach. Indeed, …
Donald Harrison at the Jazz Showcase
Donald Harrison embodies the spirit of New Orleans. A recurring headliner at the legendary Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Donald Harrison never fails to deliver the passion and pride of Congo Square. At 51, his musical legacy ranges from bebop to hip-hop, and he has mentored and influenced a multitude of …
Go Ahead, Make My Mood: Kyle Eastwood Makes Sudden Impact In Jazz and Film Scoring
When you are the eldest son of one of the most iconic actors and directors in Hollywood, it is not a stretch to think that one can write his own ticket in an industry that is so fleeting and impossible for most. But that’s only if you want that life, …
Kurt Elling Quintet: Passion World
In many ways the Kurt Elling Quintet was just the kind of performance you’d want to see on Valentine’s Day at The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Along with special guests, Violinist Regina Carter and Clarinetist Anat Cohen, Elling paid tribute to lovers everywhere as selections chosen for the evening were international …
Nicole Henry – A Return to Soul
Nicole Henry has established herself as a force in the jazz world since she entered the scene through her own label in 2004. The Miami Herald has referred to her as the “vocal lovechild of Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan.” On her most recent release, Embraceable, Henry expands beyond jazz, …
Miri Ben-Ari, Grammy Award Winning Violinist, Knows No Borders
Grammy Award winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari came to the United States from Israel with a dream to play her violin on big stages. Classically trained at a young age, and under the tutelage of Isaac Stern, the hip-hop violinist, composer and arranger was destined for success. She performed hundreds of …
Nicholas Payton Plays BAM, Not Jazz
Nicholas Payton is regarded as one of the greatest trumpet players of all time. An accomplished musician, gifted composer, writer and producer, Payton was born in New Orleans into a musical family. His father Walter was a bassist, composer and educator and his mother, Maria, is a former operatic singer …