Interviews

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

  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 …

Alfredo Rodriguez photo by Anna Webber Oil and water. These are two items that do not mix. Some would say science and spirituality don’t mix either. Well, when listening to pianist Alfredo Rodriguez’s album Sounds of Space, it’s difficult to support the idea that barriers exist being the technological and …

Nik West   From as early as she can recollect, bassist Nik West rocked to the beat of her own tune. Growing up, she traded in her Mary Jane’s and ballet flats for L.A. Gears as she played basketball with the boys, and preferred a Transformer over a Barbie doll …

Luther Vandross and Dionne Warwick “Some people make things happen, some watch things happen, while others wonder what has happened”. –Author Unknown Dionne Warwick is the first. Singing since the age of six, Dionne Warwick has carved out a path that has resulted in nearly sixty charted hits since “Don’t …