From time to time, we hear a recording or concert which merits comment and deserves to be passed along. Here are our recommendations and reviews of new releases and goings-on in jazz today, with as many opportunities for preview listening as we can provide.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
Veteran jazz masters "Killer" Ray Appleton and Barry Altschul have issued fine new albums this year. Both in their early 70s, it's clear they draw from extensive experience. So how might that translate to making music that's fun to listen to?
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
It's a festival with everything between international headliners and relative unknowns, intricately-plotted compositions and completely free improvisation, high-concept one-offs and bands shaped over decades. See photos from the nine-year-old marathon of new bands and repertoires in New York.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
The new year's major releases so far feature a few living legends and a lot of drummers in charge. Here's a preview of some records which will be talked about by jazz aficionados, including new efforts from Chris Potter, Darcy James Argue and Wayne Shorter.
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by Josh Jackson
WBGOA lot can happen in six years. For one young New York-based jazz trumpeter, losses in the family and gains in musical maturity were enough to inspire a new album, End of an Era. He and his band visited WBGO's studios for this in-studio recording.
by Gary Walker
WBGOGary Walker, music director of WBGO in Newark, highlights the pianist's take on a Miles Davis classic.
by Matt Fleeger
Matt Fleeger of KMHD in Portland, Ore., highlights the British trombone player's new album.
by Gary G. Vercelli
KXJZGary G. Vercelli of California's Capital Public Radio finds the jazz guitarist covering a Coltrane classic.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
Henry Cole's debut album is an Afrobeat party — which isn't that far removed from his jazz style.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
Music videos from Now vs. Now and Third World Love convey the movement imperative of a groove.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
A new video from vocalist and songwriter Gregory Porter literally dances around unrequited love.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
If you were looking for an aesthetic on her new record, think '80s Wayne Shorter.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
"Body and Soul," as performed by John Ellis, Joshua Crumbly and Kendrick Scott.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
Where plugged-in jazz meets Olympic athletes on steroids.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
What we can learn when a composer has a predilection for playing other people's music? The pianist Vijay Iyer offers a few clues into his musical milieu on his new trio album — and his old one, too.
by Patrick Jarenwattananon
"Black Gold," a song about "African American heritage before slavery," premiered on BET last night.
