John Murph John Murph writes about music and culture and works as a web producer for BETJazz.com. He also contributes regularly to The Washington Post Express, JazzTimes, Down Beat, and JazzWise magazines.
Stories By
John Murph
Story Archive
Sonnymoon. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Sonnymoon
Scott Tixier's "Elephant Rose" taps into modern-day nostalgia and still brings about something fresh. Chris Drukker hide caption
Brooklyn Bazaar
Underneath the firepower in Alfredo Rodriguez's "Fog" lies the work of a remarkable composer. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
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
Drummer Johnathan Blake tackles Robert Glasper's "Canvas," and in the process gives it a renewed sheen. Emra Islek hide caption
Canvas
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
Vijay Iyer and his trio masterfully articulate a complex composition's exuberant, zigzagging melody. Jimmy Katz hide caption
Accelerando
The Revelations' "Something's Got to Give" captures real-life desperation, for desperate real-life times. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Concrete Blues
Carolina Chocolate Drops' "Country Girl" is a 21st-century musical portrait of black America's Southern comfort. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Leaving Eden
Enrico Rava's "Cornettology" slyly alludes to several of Ornette Coleman's compositions without quoting them outright. Roberto Masotti hide caption
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
Classic
Bypassing vocal histrionics, Zara McFarlane takes a suspenseful route in "More Than Mine (Alternate Take)." Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Until Tomorrow
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
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
Hi-Fly
Alan Hampton's bittersweet "Change Your Mind" could be reconfigured into a hit in just about any genre. Courtesy of the artist hide caption