Interviews

Sonny Rollins is a jazz icon. He has played saxophone with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, and more — and performed as leader of his own band on numerous influential recordings. In this recent interview with iRock Jazz, Rollins speaks candidly about his musical influences and training, …

Jazz will always be here and depending on the people we have coming up, jazz will always be something that other music will come to get their inspiration from. – Sonny Rollins There are few people that can call the likes of John Coltrane and Miles Davis their immediate peers. …

  “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” –Victor Hugo Saxophonist, bandleader and composer Theodore Walter “Sonny” Rollins was born on September 7, 1930, and grew up in Harlem, New York in a community that was known also as Sugar Hill, …

The daughter of African immigrants, jazz artist Somi is captivating audiences with her New African sound. A recipient of the TEDGlobal Scholarship, she began playing cello at a young age and allowed that instrument to shape her vocal skills. The soon to be legendary songstress Somi is releasing a brand …

Sinbad With a career that spans nearly three decades, Sinbad’s stint and longevity in the entertainment industry is no laughing matter. The comedian says he took his laughs to the road and has performed nonstop since 1983, many of those years he was behind the mike for over 100 shows …

Peter Escovedo and Sheila E. Creating music that will make history and giving back are a part of the Escovedo legacy, and whether or not she realized it, singer and percussionist Sheila E. inherited the birthright. Before she was known as the Pop and R&B sensation “Sheila E.”, the artist …

Shawn Maxwell is both an educator and an artist. This multi-instrumental band leader has been a recognized and distinguished performer in the Chicago jazz scene for years, and his music has earned critical acclaim nationwide. We spoke with Shawn about his career, his music over the years, the advice that …

Sean Jones has No Need for Words. You will understand why he decided to name his latest project by that exact sentiment when you listen to each track. No voice is needed. It would only distract you from the beautiful notes being played underneath. Listening to the music gives you …

im·pro·vise (ˈimprəˌvīz) verb create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation. Sean Jones has spent his entire life enveloped by music; whether it was the gospel he’s rooted in, John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme that flipped his switch, or the music he’s created or been part of …

Savion Glover honors the art form of tap. This dancer, choreographer, and teacher has had the highest regard for the dancers that have paved the way for him and many other tap dancers. In addition, Glover has had the privilege to work with many great Jazz musicians. Glover’s Broadway debut …

Some people have argued that we now live in a society where everyone wants to be a star. 15 minutes of fame is all that is needed so that, if only for a moment, the world will know their names. For these people, making headlines is more important than making …

Ryan Cohan is the recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. This pianist and composer began his journey in music as a child and was able to read sheet music at the age of five. Cohan’s mother was a music teacher and introduced him to music. This Chicago native released his …