Interviews

Cuban born pianist and composer Aruan Ortiz expertly blends contemporary jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms and classical music. The up and coming artist began studying music at the age of eight. Ortiz, classically trained in both the piano and the violin, has won numerous awards with both instruments. As a violinist, …

This is a jazz trio of leaders. For twelve years The Bad Plus has been consistently doing what they enjoy and love; making music. It is their unconventional style that has brought them incredible recognition in the jazz world and allowed them to connect to a vast audience. Dave King …

Rudresh Mahanthappa photo by Jimmy Katz The sound of a culture goes far beyond geographical boundaries. It resonates within the very DNA of its people. Saxophonist and composer Rudresh Mahanthappa, a second generation Indian-American, skillfully harmonizes classical Southern Indian sounds of his heritage, with soulful modern sounds of American jazz, …

Wayne Shorter with filmmaker Dorsay Alavi (right) and her husband Matthew Flint (left) Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity is an upcoming documentary chronicling the life of one of music’s most dynamic figures. Directed by Dorsay Alavi, the project will be comprised of concert footage, personal interviews, and candid behind-the-scenes moments. The …

Creating a band, in and of itself, is a task that requires skill, passion, motivation and patience. Creating the most diverse band on the planet takes genius. Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick, front man, composer, singer and guitarist of the multi-national UK funk, soul and jazz band Incognito has displayed such genius. …

Wayne Shorter photo by Francis Wolff Wayne Shorter is a multiple Grammy-Award winning saxophonist and composer. Making his presence known for over five decades, Shorter has played with some of the strongest ensembles in music history – including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’ 2nd great quintet, as …

If you were to ask two-time Grammy-Award winner jazz trumpeter, composer, and social activist, Hugh Masekela, how he would categorize himself or his music his response would be, “I am just a musician from Africa who immersed himself with everything to do with music.” From growing up in South Africa …

Whether you believe in destiny or fate, singer-songwriter Yuna has been blessed with it. The not so new comer is climbing the success ladder, not in a “material” sense, no, she is living her dream and that is success in and of itself. Born in Alo Setar, Kedah, Malaysia, Yuna …

Jazz pianist and composer Robert Glasper is at the head of the class when it comes to breaking rules in his genre. The 2012 Grammy Award winner for “Best R&B Album” and Blue Note label artist thinks outside of the musical box as he fuses Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz and Rock …

He began singing in the church choir at the age of 3 years old in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 30 years in the business, dozens of music awards, 6 Grammy nominations and the 2009 Soul Train Icon Award, Charlie Wilson, former lead singer of the legendary funk group, The GAP …

As a foster care advocate and former foster care child, Victoria Rowell is a force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in Portland, Maine, at 16 days old, Rowell was put in to foster care with her two sisters. At age eight, she began taking ballet lessons, and at …

James Oppenheim, the saxophonist, producer and songwriter. Who? One may ask, however a fan would know it’s none other than Boney James. The three–time Grammy Award nominee, NAACP Image Award nominee and the most successful instrumentalist of our time is not a “smooth jazz player” according to the Boston Globe. …