By Mike Jurkovic, All About Jazz You enter the music of Chicago bassist/composer Clark Sommers with wary expectations: In its open-ness anything can happen. Dark perambulations pop against lighter propulsions. Dialogues take on thesis, equation and whimsy. Discourse holds its own parlance, gives definition, then allows for civil caucus. Because Ba(sh), a trio defined only by … Read More
Watler Smith III and Matthew Stevens Present In Common 2, out May 15th on Whirlwind Recordings Long-time musical associates Walter Smith III and Matthew Stevens perform in a multiplicity of projects at the vanguard of the international jazz & improvised music scene: touring and recording with Esperanza Spalding, Ambrose Akinmusire, Christian Scott, Terence Blanchard, Dave … Read More
Russian Saxophonist & Composer Azat Bayazitov Announces the Release of his Sophomore Album The Doors Are Open Saint Petersburg-based Rainy Days Records is proud to announce the June 19, 2020 release of The Doors Are Open, the new album from tenor saxophonist Azat Bayazitov. A follow up to Bayazitov’s debut album If You Still Trust, … Read More
By Piotr Orlov, AFROPUNK Originally, AFROPUNK’s purpose in premiering “Om Shanti,” saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin’s collaboration with Georgia Anne Muldrow and Meshell Ndegeocello on a cover of Alice Coltrane’s spiritual anthem, was not meant to be topical. At least not in the way that it now might seem on this Friday the 13th. Coltrane’s “Om Shanti” … Read More
By Georg W. Harris, Jazz Weekly Tenor vocalist JD Walter mixes piano arias with Jean-Michel Pilc, Julius Rodriguez, Orrin Evans, Taylor Eigsti, Marc Cary and Jim Ridl alon with support by some cameo guests on this intimate, personal and heartfelt release. He’s earnest, clear and classy with Eigsti on his own “Dressed In A Song” … Read More
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO Lakecia Benjamin stepped out on faith to produce her latest work. So much so that she exhausted her savings to bring it to fruition. Listen to the full interview here.
By Michael Jeffers, Chicago Jazz Magazine Pianist Orrin Evans previews his upcoming weekend performances at the legendary Green Mill Jazz Club with Chicago Jazz Magazine founder Mike Jeffers on this week’s “Chicago Jazz Audio Experience” podcast! Listen to the full interview here.
By Matt Micucci, Jazziz Swedish-native, New York City-based flutist/composer Elsa Nilsson translates the language of political movement to music on her third album as a leader. Hindsight was released on February 21 and it is a direct reaction to the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as the issues that have manifested … Read More
Carolina Calvache presenta su segunda producción discográfica Vida Profunda, Este matrimonio entre la poesía y la música estará bajo el sello Sunnyside Records. El lanzamiento de esta producción será este próximo 29 de Mayo del 2020. La pianista, compositora y arreglista Carolina Calvache se complace en anunciar el lanzamiento de su segundo disco Vida Profunda, … Read More
Statement From Birdland About The COVID-19 Crisis We at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are closely monitoring the city, state, and federal safety recommendations about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our primary concern is for the safety of our artist-performers, customers, and staff. We have implemented every possible measure to ensure a safe … Read More
