Reviews

Jose James Januarys in New York City can be deathly cold, affectively altering the heat of any building in the path of the sub-freezing winds. So, when fans of Jose James entered Manhattan’s Highline Ballroom for his album release concert, having walked many blocks in 10 degree weather, it felt …

Joe Lovano As a sold-out crowd at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, Calif. awaited the arrival of tenor sax titan, Joe Lovano and his super collective, Us Five, the atmosphere inside the Bay Area club brewed with anticipation. The Miles Davis Kind of Blue playing in the background hinted a …

Ravi Coltrane We all love listening to Miles Davis, Stan Getz and Art Blakey. They were pioneers, artists and ambassadors for American music. Although albums like Sweet Rain and ESP never get old, listening to those records does not support the modern cats out there who continue to keep pushing …

“Stay ready so you don’t have to be ready.” – Dianne Reeves What happens when you bring together three of the strongest, most powerful voices of song, combined with a scintillating band whose prowess is equally as impressive? Sing the Truth! features the unbelievable vocal talents of Dianne Reeves, Angelique …

Composer and saxophonist Joe Lovano, a man who never fails to keep things swingin’, recently released his latest album Cross Culture. With his notorious quintet Us Five, Lovano has produced his 23rd Blue Note record. His soft, breathy and gliding tone is a sound that can be heard from a …

Jose James People say Jazz isn’t fresh anymore; they say it doesn’t change or grow. For those who need a reminder or a wake up call as to what is really happening in the Jazz scene, go listen to vocalist Jose James. With his new album No Beginning, No End, …

  When pianist Kris Bowers entered Ginny’s Supper Club on a Saturday night in December, he walked in a blessed man. He’s featured on Jose James’ highly anticipated No Beginning No End album, was selected to play on the super group project Next Collective, was hand-picked by Aretha Franklin herself …

Recording artists carries the awesome responsibility of translating the range of human experience through their gift of song. They must act as the voices of the voiceless. Esperanza Spalding, a Grammy winning bassist/vocalist has fulfilled that responsibility by writing observant lyrics over her vibrant melodies. Like so many others before …

  “What I love about this music is that it has the capacity to carry the message of empathy.” – Stefon Harris Despite countless references to its oppressive regime, Cuba is home to some of the most engaging Jazz artists in the world today. Afro-Cuban Jazz is a cornerstone in …

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Andy Allo is an up-and-coming artist on the music scene. Allo, the protégé of funk legend Prince, has a truly unique and refreshing sound. With her new album Superconductor out this November, Allo graciously offers the music community with a diverse, sonic collage. Allo is both …

When it comes to her vocalism, there are few who can match the distinctive sound of Cassandra Wilson. She is a giant of her era; a truly gifted talent, who looks to express herself through multiple genres, styles and sounds. Recently, at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Wilson …

If one keeps good company and/or is mentioned in high regard by others whom are held in such a regard, then that speaks volumes about the qualities and virtues of that person. By simply observing the line-up of musicians who performed at the Jazz for Obama benefit concert in New …