By Brenda Nelson-Strauss, Black Grooves Trumpeter Derrick Gardner has gathered together friends and family to form a new ensemble that makes its debut on his latest release, Still I Rise. … Read More
By Jamaal Baptiste, Black Grooves Bassist and composer Michael Olatuja has a unique musical background. Born in London, raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and currently based in New York, he has certainly traversed many … Read More
By Chloe McCornick, Black Grooves Celebration and protest, traditional and contemporary—Jazz-world ensemble AJOYO’s sophomore album War Chant is filled with seamlessly blended contradictions. Like their self-titled 2015 debut album, War Chant brings high energy, celebratory music, … Read More
By Jamaal Baptiste, Black Grooves The Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO) has become a household name for salsa lovers and Latin jazz enthusiasts over the years. Founded in the early 2000s by bandleader Oscar Hernández … Read More
By Ana M. Nelson, Black Grooves In Common 2 is the much-anticipated second release from tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III and guitarist Matthew Stevens. After the noteworthy success of their first … Read More
By Brenda Nelson-Strauss, Black Grooves Drummer, composer and bandleader Jonathan Barber has accomplished much in his young life. The 30-year-old Hartford, Connecticut native began performing gospel music at an early age at his family church, learning alongside his … Read More
By Brenda Nelson-Strauss, Black Grooves Not There Yet proves the Chicago Yestet is not afraid to celebrate musical diversity as they deftly combine traditional elements of big band jazz, including tight horn arrangements, with edgier elements of hip hop. This … Read More
By Brenda Nelson – Strauss, Black Grooves Straight outta New Orleans, The Session is a jazz quartet of young musicians who were schooled by several of the city’s legendary elders, such as Ellis Marsalis, Germaine Bazzle, and … Read More
By Anna M. Nelson, Black Grooves Virtuosic saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin offers a powerful homage to two major jazz figures, Alice Coltrane and John Coltrane, on her newest release Pursuance: The … Read More
By Brenda Nelson-Strauss, Black Grooves Versatile jazz vocalist La Tanya Hall began her career touring with the great Harry Belafonte and has since collaborated with other black music icons including … Read More
