By Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine Jihye Lee is a name that is quickly turning heads in the world of Jazz large ensemble writing. It’s a tale that neither herself nor many would have managed when she declared herself a jazz composition major at Berklee College of Music in 2011 after starting as a pop indie … Read More
By Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine Whoever says jazz is dead clearly has not heard Alonzo Demetrius. The young trumpeter not only has language on the instrument and paired it with electronic effects, but he is also an amazing composer. His live recording “Live from the Prison Nation” is as real as it gets. The performance … Read More
By Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine Ralph Peterson is back in Occhi Magazine, this time as we discuss his recent release Onward and Upward. Carrying on the legacy of Blakey, the album is composed of seventeen people, fourteen Jazz Messengers alumni, and three individuals (Legacy Messengers) Peterson feels would have become messengers had Blakey heard them! … Read More
by Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine The symbiotic relationship between music and dance can most assuredly date back to the inception of the two art forms. From folkloric dances to the dynamic duo of Stravinsky and Nijinsky, and the swing band era, there is a myriad of examples of the two art forms merging into one. … Read More
By Darryl Yokley, Occhi Magazine On the release of his latest CD ‘Still I Rise’, Occhi Magazine caught up with Derrick Gardner to discuss the project. The interview with Darryl Yokley was recorded remotely during the COVID lockdown. Check this full interview here.
By Jonathan Blackman, Occhi Magazine Derrick Gardner is back with the Big dig! Band and their premiere release, Still I Rise. Read this review here.
By Darry Yokley, Occhi Magazine I’ve had the privilege of playing with the great Ralph Peterson on a few occasions, and every time was an unforgettable experience. So much energy, artistry, knowledge, and history come through when he sits behind the drums that one cannot help but be drawn into his presence. I learned so … Read More
