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Jon Faddis has had a long and illustrious career. At the tender age of  18, he joined Lionel Hampton’s Orchestra, then was lead trumpet in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra. He also had stints with Charles Mingus. Renowned as a trumpeter with masterful command of an unparalleled range on the …

At the outset, let me admit my appreciation for Robert Glasper’s Black Radio 2. Ostensibly, the album serves as a continuation of the artist’s postmodern movement through sound. So, if you liked the first as much as I did, you, too, will certainly enjoy his latest serving. I do believe, …

Wynton Marsalis’ orchestra and choir blew the roof off of Boston Symphony Hall on Sunday night. A stirring ensemble of forty female and thirty male vocalists gave a rousing gospel invocation with “The House of The Lord,” while the orchestra swung back and forth over belting vocals and blaring horn …

Jazz greats like Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, or Charlie Parker; or you can stand and listen to a trumpet player blowing sweet sounds out of the doors of the famous musical venue,Preservation Hall in the French Quarter. Louisiana’s rich history for musical talent is known world-wide and that part of …

In a career spanning three decades, Kenny Garrett has attained such a renowned status that he is now considered the most innovative and influential alto player of his generation. Garrett, who started his career playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was Miles Davis’s last reedman, has developed a playing …

Savion Glover honors the art form of tap. This dancer, choreographer, and teacher has had the highest regard for the dancers that have paved the way for him and many other tap dancers. In addition, Glover has had the privilege to work with many great Jazz musicians. Glover’s Broadway debut …

Saxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in jazz today. This Chicago native burst onto the scene in 1998 with his debut album Stay Awhile, which was produced by fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson. His catchy singles made him an instant radio favorite and he put out those …

Born in California, Sheila E. is the daughter of Juanita (Gardere), a dairy factory worker, and percussionist Pete Escovedo, with whom she frequently performs. Sheila E’s uncle is Alejandro Escovedo. Tito Puente was Escovedo’s godfather. She is also niece to Javier Escovedo, founder of seminal San Diego punk act, The …

John Coltrane, who was considered one of the most prominent and well known Jazz performers of his time, has inspired many.  However, few people know little about the historical significance of the place he called home.  This home, located in Long Island, N.Y., was where he shared his life with his wife, …

Ryan Cohan is the recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship. This pianist and composer began his journey in music as a child and was able to read sheet music at the age of five. Cohan’s mother was a music teacher and introduced him to music. This Chicago native released his …

Joe Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Ron Carter, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra and the …

 Casey Benjamin is a Grammy Award winning saxophonist, vocoderist, keyboardist, producer and songwriter from South Jamaica, Queens, New York City. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and the The Zoloft online Music in Manhattan. He is one half of the funk pop …