Jason Moran: The Modern Maestro
Jason Moran is a Houston, Texas-born pianist and composer. His eclectic styling has led to a successful run of over fifteen years, as both sideman and band leader. In this time, Moran has received considerable praise for his fluid play, which encompasses various styles, blending them into one definably distinctive …
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 …
NEW! Blue Note App with iRock Jazz Playlist
Blue Note Records, the world’s premiere jazz label, has launched an iPhone and iPod touch version of its Blue Note by Groovebug App, which was introduced for iPad last year, both versions available exclusively on the App Store. Developed by Groovebug, the new Blue Note delivers a rich experience for …
Gretchen Parlato: Inspired Butterfly
There are singers whose voices are soft, melodic, timeless and original, jazz vocalist Gretchen Parlato is the beholder of such a voice. Everything she creates turns in to a masterpiece. Her 2005 debut album Gretchen Parlato was named “5 Best Progressive Jazz CDs of 2005 by Jazz Nation” – KPR …
Dorsay Alavi: Life With Zero Gravity
Too many times we don’t get the opportunity to learn a person’s story or enjoy their journey until after they have gone. But thanks to the work of renowned director, Dorsay Alavi, the world will have the opportunity to ride the notes that create the melodies of the life of …
Wayne Shorter: His Life, Faith, Music = Zero Gravity
Wayne Shorter with filmmaker Dorsay Alavi (right) and her husband Matthew Flint (left) Wayne Shorter: Zero Gravity is an upcoming documentary chronicling the life of one of music’s most dynamic figures. Directed by Dorsay Alavi, the project will be comprised of concert footage, personal interviews, and candid behind-the-scenes moments. The …
Wayne Shorter: Jazz Means I Dare You!
Wayne Shorter photo by Francis Wolff Wayne Shorter is a multiple Grammy-Award winning saxophonist and composer. Making his presence known for over five decades, Shorter has played with some of the strongest ensembles in music history – including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’ 2nd great quintet, as …
Pharoah Sanders: A Spiritual Journey Through Music
Jazz, the genre that has sub-genres within the culture itself. There is Swing, Bebop, Harmony, Afro-Cuban, Modern, Smooth, Cool, Avant-Garde and Free or what some call Cosmic/Mystic/World Fusion Jazz. This sound of the 1970’s includes artists such as Sun Ra, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ronnie Laws, Yusef Lateef, Alice Coltrane …
Miles Davis’ Legacy Continues to Transcend Time and Generations
iRock Jazz Founder/CEO John Moultrie, Cheryl Davis, Erin Davis and Vince Wilburn, Jr. photo by Louis Byrd III The legacy of the ultra-legend, Miles Davis will outlast several eternities. One has to wonder if he knew that he would be a major musical influencer and innovator when his lips first …
CD Review: Wayne Shorter’s Without a Net
A group that is reminiscent of Miles Davis’ second great quintet and six brand new compositions by a saxophonist that is often times considered the greatest composer in jazz history. Are you excited yet? Wayne Shorter, the man who for 50 years has produced countless jazz classics, is back on …