John Murph
Story Archive
Tuesday
'Just Before Dawn' by Sonnymoon
Tuesday
Scott Tixier's "Elephant Rose" taps into modern-day nostalgia and still brings about something fresh. Chris Drukker hide caption
'Elephant Rose' by Scott Tixier
Wednesday
Underneath the firepower in Alfredo Rodriguez's "Fog" lies the work of a remarkable composer. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Fog' by Alfredo Rodriguez
Tuesday
Kenny Garrett's "Welcome Earth Song" conjures the spirit of Pharoah Sanders — and a soul-stirring church service. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Welcome Earth Song' by Kenny Garrett
Monday
Drummer Johnathan Blake tackles Robert Glasper's "Canvas," and in the process gives it a renewed sheen. Emra Islek hide caption
'Canvas' by Johnathan Blake
Tuesday
Jazz singer Theo Bleckmann tackles Bush's classic "Love and Anger" with a sharp mind and a soulful heart. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Love and Anger' by Theo Bleckmann
Tuesday
Vijay Iyer and his trio masterfully articulate a complex composition's exuberant, zigzagging melody. Jimmy Katz hide caption
'Little Pocket Size Demons' by Vijay Iyer Trio
Monday
The Revelations' "Something's Got to Give" captures real-life desperation, for desperate real-life times. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Something's Got to Give" by The Revelations feat. Tre Williams
Thursday
Carolina Chocolate Drops' "Country Girl" is a 21st-century musical portrait of black America's Southern comfort. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Country Girl' by Carolina Chocolate Drops
Thursday
Enrico Rava's "Cornettology" slyly alludes to several of Ornette Coleman's compositions without quoting them outright. Roberto Masotti hide caption
'Cornettology' by Enrico Rava Quintet
Wednesday
Paired with Madlib's soulful evocation of sunlight piercing through clouds, M.E.D.'s "Mystical Magic" is a distinctive slice of hip-hop. Eric Coleman hide caption
'Mystical Magic' by M.E.D.
Friday
Bypassing vocal histrionics, Zara McFarlane takes a suspenseful route in "More Than Mine (Alternate Take)." Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'More Than Mine (Alternate Take)' by Zara McFarlane
Tuesday
In a cover of Sly Stone's "Family Affair," Steven Bernstein's gripping arrangement deftly underscores Antony Hegarty's haunting croon. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Family Affair' by Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra
Tuesday
Chicago-bred jazz crooner Sachal Vasandani examines the horror of Japan's recent tsunami by studying it from eye level. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Flood' by Sachal Vasandani
Thursday
Alan Hampton's bittersweet "Change Your Mind" could be reconfigured into a hit in just about any genre. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Change Your Mind' by Alan Hampton
Monday
In "The Riddle," Becca Stevens speaks a universal language: that of a tormented soul pining for an unrequited love. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'The Riddle' by Becca Stevens Band
Friday
As horns triumphantly enter the fray, the bewitching and modern magnetism of King's "Supernatural" becomes inescapable. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Supernatural' by King
Friday
The New York band Jazz Passengers recently got back together, and recorded a familiar cover to mark the occasion. courtesy of DL Media/Justin Time Records hide caption
'Reunited' by The Jazz Passengers
Wednesday
Lizz Wright invigorates "God Specializes" with timeless fervor by channeling her pedigree in Hahira, Ga. Vincent Soyez hide caption
'God Specializes' by Lizz Wright
Friday
In "Shudder and Cry," a blues-drenched guitar solo accentuates a sorrowful chorus: "It's a crying shame." courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Shudder and Cry' by Belleruche
Tuesday
"Protegid" finds Carmen Souza powering her voice with the assured intuition and inventiveness of a jazz singer. courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Protegid' by Carmen Souza
Tuesday
Pianist Jacky Terrasson fuses Michael Jackson's "Beat It" with the jazz standard "Body and Soul." courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Beat It/Body And Soul' by Jacky Terrasson
Monday
The modern string band takes Blu Cantrell's 2001 smash "Hit 'Em Up Style" back to the 1920s. courtesy of the artist hide caption
'Hit 'Em Up Style' by Carolina Chocolate Drops
Thursday
In the appropriately titled "Detroit Loveletter," Jose James sounds smart, sexy and soulful. courtesy of the artist hide caption