Harvey Mason: The Relevant Chameleon
Harvey Mason’s nickname, “The Chameleon,” was not just given to him, but was also earned. Mason’s drumming work has run the gamut across many musical genres, and his ever changing styles have morphed to accommodate legends from Herbie Hancock, James Brown, and Nancy Wilson, to contemporary artists like Mary J. …
Joey DeFrancesco: Growing Up With Jazz
Joey DeFrancesco comes from a musical family. His Grandfather Joseph DeFrancesco (his name sake) was a reed man. And of course his father, “Papa” John DeFrancesco, is a fine jazz organist in his own right. At the age of 4, Joey began taking a strong interest in the organ. By …
CD Review: Joshua Redman Walking Shadows
Joshua Redman is one of today’s most prolific saxophone players. For those who don’t already know, this California based saxophonist has played with the likes of Elvin Jones, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Paul Motion, and Charlie Haden just to name a few. Since his emergence on the jazz scene during …
Roy Haynes: Still Keeping Time
Eighty years after picking up the drumsticks, Roy Haynes has inspired and influenced generations of musicians. Keeping with his credo, “now is the time,” Haynes has stayed current and innovative across decades in an ever changing art form. During his illustrious career as a jazz drummer and bandleader, he is …
Darryl Jones: From Miles to the Stones
Most musicians start off small and work their way up to a few big names. However, master bassist Darryl Jones began his career with one of the greatest in jazz and has continued to work with musical giants for over thirty years. After touring with the legendary Miles Davis, Jones …