iRock Jazz LIVE Archives

Grammy-nominated recording artist John Beasley’s music career spans three decades.  LA Times jazz critic Bill Kohlhaasee describes Beasley’s music and playing as “a variety of generational influences, incorporating the emphatic chordal clusters of Herbie Hancock, the rhythmic quirkiness of Monk and the lush intelligence of Art Tatum into a highly refined personal …

Ben Williams of New York City is one of the youngest and brightest musicians on the scene today who is helping to push the legacy of jazz forward through the reflection of his own distinct sound and flavor of hip hop, gospel, and Rhythm & Blues. He is highly respected …

In 2008, when Brian Culbertson was in his old hometown of Chicago for a high profile gig as an opening act at United Center, his drummer Chris Miskel not only introduced him to his friend Marqueal Jordan, he also invited the keyboardist to check out the popular saxophonist at a local club – …

Long regarded as one of Contemporary Jazz’s leading vocalists, Diane Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. Born in Tacoma, Washington in 1953, Schuur was blind from birth; but she was gifted with perfect pitch and initially taught herself piano by ear. She later received formal piano training at …

Recording both as Parliament and Funkadelic, George Clinton revolutionized R&B during the ’70s, twisting soul music into funk by adding influences from several late-’60s acid heroes: Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Sly Stone. The Parliament/Funkadelic machine ruled black music during the ’70s, capturing over 40 R&B hit singles (including three number ones) and recording three platinum albums. Born in Kannapolis, …

Award-winning producer Matt Pierson’s discography reads as an overview of the best that contemporary jazz has to offer, including the likes of Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Pat Metheny, Bob James, Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, and countless others. As an executive, Matt led Blue Note’s marketing and A&R departments before being …

Thelonious Sphere Monk, III (T.S. Monk) is an internationally acclaimed jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, and vocalist. Lauded by critics and jazz fans alike as the true musical heir to his father, the legendary jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk, T.S. Monk has paved his own path to success, inspiring a …

Drummer Otis Brown III – an invaluable sideman with the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Oliver Lake, Somi, and others – has announced the release of his debut album The Thought of You, which will arrive September 23 via Revive/Blue Note, a new partnership between Revive Music and Blue Note Records. Pre-order …

Three-time Tony Awards winner Hinton Battle is recognized as one of Broadway’s most respected musical stars. He began his career on stage at the age of 15, as the Scarecrow in the Broadway production of The Wiz. He has since gone on to build an impressive portfolio of work, dazzling audiences across …

There’s no need to sugar coat it, since her impressive credits speak for themselves. Her colleagues praise her ability, her dedication and drive to perfecting her craft as a professional singer and knockout performer. On stage and in the studio, New York City based vocalist and songwriter Shayna Steele proves …

David Adkins was born on Nov. 10, 1956 in Benton Harbor, MI to the Baptist Rev. Dr. Donald Adkins and his wife Martha. At Benton Harbor High School, the young Adkins was a member of the marching band and the math club. He graduated from the University of Denver in …

Since her debut in 2004, Nicole Henry has established herself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists.  Ms. Henry possesses a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.  Her repertoire includes the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz titles,  contemporary’ standards, blues, and originals; …