By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO When Marcus Baylor presented his wife Jean with idea of collaboration, she had a healthy amount of trepidation about the appeal of a drum-and-vocal duo. Two … Read More
Keanna Faircloth
FEATURE: Catching Up with Samara Joy, and Four Finalists in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition – WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO I first met Samara Joy in November 2019, two days before she won the prestigious Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition at NJPAC. She walked into … Read More
FEATURE INTERVIEW: “The Pulse” Celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month with Dara Tucker – wbgo
by Keanna Faircloth, The Pulse On this episode of The Pulse, host and WBGO Afternoon Jazz radio personality, Keanna Faircloth, celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month talking with vocalist, pianist and composer, Dara Tucker. The award-winning artist has crafted an engaging … Read More
FEATURE: S.O.A.R. (Sounds of A&R) Brings Romance to the Fore in a Valentine’s Day Edition of The Pulse – WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO Although it wasn’t love at first sight, from the very beginning singer-songwriter April May and trumpeter Randall Haywood had a musical synergy that undoubtedly inspired their … Read More
FEATURE: The Pulse: säje, a Jazz-Vocal Sisterhood, Talks About Quarantine Bonding and a Grammy Nod – WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO What started as a girls’ trip to the Palm Springs desert resulted in magic for säje. Read more here.
FEATURE: Sarah Elizabeth Charles and Jarrett Cherner Reflect on Their New Album, ‘Tone’ – WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO On this episode of The Pulse, Sarah Elizabeth Charles and Jarrett Cherner (adorably joined at times by their cat, Raj), discuss the process of creating their … Read More
FEATURE: Brianna Thomas Reflects On Journey To New Album — WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO “The mood of Brianna Thomas’ sophomore effort, Everybody Knows, embodies the experience of living in a climate wrought with polarizing emotions. Self-released and produced by the Grammy … Read More
Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs Public Radio Can’t Stop Playing / Michael Olatuja, “The Hero’s Journey” (feat. Regina Carter) – NPR
By Keanna Faircloth, NPR Around the country, many communities are struggling with the effects of the pandemic, economic uncertainty and civil unrest. But despite the tremendous challenges, there are still … Read More
FEATURE: Bassist Michael Olatuja on His New Album, and its “Cinematic Afrobeat” Flavors – WBGO
By Keanna Faircloth, WBGO Michael Olatuja might as well be called “The Great Connector.” His entire life story has comprised a series of connections, which converge on his latest work, Lagos Pepper … Read More
INTERVIEW: Lakecia Benjamin’s interviewed by WBGO
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 … Read More