Steve Elman
A belated appreciation of one of 2023’s most interesting releases – this Grammy-winning “compendium” may not be a strongly unified work, but its individual parts are eloquent residents of the Place Between classical and jazz.
Here is music of depth, music to hear and to think about in a Time of Troubles. But who will play it again? Who will listen? And who will buy?
How well or how poorly are we paying homage to our jazz ancestors? Some graves are worthy places of pilgrimage. Others are neglected . . . or unknown.
Zev Feldman is becoming one of the great sleuth-producers of our time, and his name is becoming a marker of quality.
These four sets are among five new collections of previously-unreleased music that provide crisp snapshots of renowned jazz performers in the second half of the twentieth century and precious documents of great originals in their prime.
Moppa Elliott is an important jazz composer and a dynamic leader. When he brings a group to our area (which happens only rarely), do not miss the gig. When he issues a new recording, pay attention.
Moppa Elliott makes eminently approachable music at a very high standard, with great ingenuity and sophistication. He has proven himself to be one of the most inventive and creative composers for small jazz ensemble since Charles Mingus.
A new release from Abdullah Ibrahim adds almost 100 minutes to a legacy of paramount importance to jazz, to world music, and to our understanding of a life lived in art.
This is a story about jazz that we only think we know: the book challenges our preconceptions with admirable restraint, and generously invites others to build on its work.
Jazz Remembrance: David Sanborn, Way Beyond Smooth
He was lucky to be so well-rewarded for doing what he loved to do, and we were always lucky to hear him.
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