Interviews

  Dee Alexander   “When a little Italian woman who can’t speak English comes up to me and says, “Bellissima!” with tears in her eyes, that is priceless.” – Dee Alexander An incredible talent, Chicago native Dee Alexander is to be celebrated for her enormous natural abilities. As a versatile …

Tia Fuller Quartet photo by Farrad Ali   “My music has really been influenced and opened up by everyone’s perceptions. And not just my music, I would definitely have to say my life as well.” – Tia Fuller Blessed with beauty and grace, Tia Fuller continues to develop her reputation …

Gabriel Johnson   Beginnings and the evolution of many things earth-bound remain fascinating. Miles Davis, one of the most influential musical legends, left his impact on this forever-evolving world and is currently seen and heard in many musicians today. Credited with leading the innovative and stylistic changes in Jazz during …

Andy Allo The name Andy Allo evokes one’s curiosity. The title of her second album, Superconductor, set for a Nov. 20 release, sets one’s mind on a journey of wonderment. The album’s single “People Pleaser” closes the deal. Unknown to the world, for now, Andy Allo is a delightful bottle …

Lionel Loueke Humility is a characteristic few are graced to possess, especially in the music industry where recognition and praise often morphs into the type of self-adulation that can often taint the purity of the music. And when you can call Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terrence Blanchard mentors, staying …

Whether it’s the perception on reality TV and in entertainment, a ‘study’ by a psychologist, an evening news report or an advertisement posted on a billboard for millions to see, African-American women receive the brunt of negative stereotypes and images. Celebrity DJ, entrepreneur and mentor Beverly Bond provided her own …

When bassist Ben Williams played in the 2009 Thelonious Monk Institute competition, he performed in front of some of the world’s greatest bass players: Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Dave Holland and Charlie Hayden. The then 25-year-old proved he could handle the pressure, winning the coveted award, and becoming an instant …

With a childhood that supported eccentricity, it was purely organic for Amel Larrieux to pursue the career of an artist and to reassure the same philosophy to her children. “This made it natural and normal for me, and gave me the foundation for what I wanted to do,” she admits. …

The Chris Greene Quartet   Although saxophonist and composer Chris Greene was reared in Evanston, he considers himself a Chicagoan. His first instrument he learned to play was a saxophone at age 10 through the citywide programs offered in the Chicagoland suburb. Greene says the city had a decent citywide …

  What started out as attempts to make hits spawned into ageless classics for old-school lovers of Jazz and a backdrop for artists of other genres to pair with their sounds. Sampled by Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and others, Lonnie Liston’s Smith’s “A Garden of Peace” was …

What makes the 21st century Jazz musician so appealing and innovative is his or her open-mindedness when it comes to inspiration. Vibraphonist Stefon Harris is one of many great artists to flourish in this generation of Jazz chameleons. With every new project comes a new challenge and a new sound; …

  “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 …