Jazz
From intense solo recitals to big band rumbles, Satoko Fujii can not only be counted on for exploratory zeal — she also has the chops to pull off whatever she attempts.
Although his choice of material doesn’t always work for me, for my money, Kurt Elling is the most important jazz vocalist of the last twenty years.
One aspect of Newport I treasure is that it shows me, every time, how much I don’t know.
The author of this Sonny Rollins bio promises us “A Journey into his World of Spirituality” — and that sets high expectations.
Vocalist Allegra Levy is at her strongest when purveying certain specific moods — melancholy, playful, even lightly ironic.
Ronnie Cuber makes the high-speed acceleration sound lyrical as well as virtuosic; the band obliges with solos that come off as much more than your standard bop band running the changes.
Miguel Zenón’s extraordinary writing for strings and saxophone makes use of ever-changing textures generated out of jazz, Puerto Rican folk, and classical music.
A baker’s dozen of recordings worth hearing . . . maybe even owning.
The release of previously unavailable recordings from Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane are causes for celebration. Two unforgettable voices in jazz — are back!
You might argue that this session was forgotten, but this new release shouldn’t be thought of as lost — because no one was looking for it
Theater Commentary: Theater for Young Audiences — What Role Can It Play In Saving Our Democracy?