Reviews

On June 9, 2013 I stood amongst the throngs of concertgoers waiting for the arrival of Kanye West. The location was Randall’s Island in New York, and it was the final night of Governor’s Ball. When the lights dimmed and the backing screen began to flash, there was something noticeably …

Marcus Miller This year marked the 35th Anniversary of the Tri C Jazz Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, and I must say it was a great start to the summer for the Rock and Roll City. The organizers of the event went big this year, really big! By incorporating the classic …

Maya Angelou once said, “All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us that we are all more alike than we are unalike.”  I hadn’t thought about her quote in quite some time, but it resonated in my mind as I watched Robin Thicke’s video, …

For American fans of Kingston, Jamaica-born pianist Monty Alexander, the chance to see him in concert – in the Caribbean – at the “Saint Lucia Music & Arts Festival” was a highly anticipated treat, and the artist did not disappoint. With his sleeves rolled up on a cool white shirt …

People are often accustomed to great outdoor fun being a centerpiece of their Memorial Day weekend.  The city of Atlanta is no exception.  Atlanta’s penchant for a great time, combined with its sophisticated southern flair, makes it the perfect city for the marriage of great jazz and the beautiful ambiance …

The 23rd St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival came to a dream-like conclusion thanks to the soulful sounds of R&B crooner, or for many ladies, “swooner,” Maxwell. The enigmatic soul superstar made a classy reappearance at the ocean side dream venue to tune up his live show in anticipation of …

Heros and Misfits – This wasn’t exactly uncharted territory. He had, after all, been here before—several months prior, to be exact. He shined in this capacity, supporting the efforts of Mr. Jose James. Playing the background, his role was significant, but wholly understated. Indeed, the stage was far from unfamiliar, …

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band will return to Blue Note Records for the release of Landmarks, the stunning fourth album from the remarkable collective which is led by acclaimed drummer and composer Brian Blade. Landmarks – which is being released in cooperation with the Shreveport, Louisiana based label Mid-City …

On March 11, trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire will return with the release of “the imagined savior is far easier to paint”, an impressive and expansive new album that broadens the palette of his quintet with the addition of guitarist Charles Altura, the OSSO String Quartet, and vocalists Becca Stevens, …

José James has announced a June 10 release date for his new album, While You Were Sleeping, his fifth studio album and his second album for Blue Note Records. While You Were Sleeping is the follow-up to his widely acclaimed R&B and jazz steeped No Beginning No End, and signals …

Since the 1950’s, Japan has been a major fan base for American jazz. This interest led to a number of Japanese musicians to migrate to the States for the express purpose of learning and performing the music. Trumpeter Teramasu Hino and alto sax player Sadao Watanabe are two Japanese artists …

Zara McFarlane performs at Queen Elizabeth Hall Photo by Andy Sheppard British vocalist Zara McFarlane is part of the new-jazz/soul movement which became prominent in the UK during the 90’s. However, while her peers followed in the steps of such Brit soul/jazz groups as Brand New Heavies and Incognito, McFarlane …