In this disc dedicated to black heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, Christian McBride insists that everyone must be free if any of us is going to be.
Michael Ullman
Best Jazz Recordings (and Live Concerts), 2019
Pianist Kris Davis’s Diatom Ribbons and the multi-disc set Nat King Cole’s Hittin’ the Ramp: The Early Years (1936-43) are among the albums that made more than one list.
Jazz Album Reviews: The Music of Lerner and Loewe — Back in the Jazz Limelight?
The two new Arbors discs are intended to bring Lerner and Loewe back into the jazz mainstream. We will see what happens. But what wonderful music these two groups have produced!
Jazz CD Review: Pianist Erroll Garner — Remastered Sessions from His Prime
Octave is issuing twelve sessions (“newly restored and expanded”) of Erroll Garner material from the ’60s and ’70s, when the popular pianist was at the height of his career.
Jazz CD Review: Wadada Leo Smith’s “Rosa Parks: Pure Love” — Making History Present
Rosa Parks: Pure Love is a serious, substantial, and long work, alternately harsh and calming, one that I am sure should be seen as well as heard.
Best Jazz Recordings (and Live Concerts), 2018
A pair of our critics supply their favorite albums and live local concerts of the year.
Commentary: Best Jazz (and Other) Recordings of 2017
The range of recordings issued this year was remarkable, both in terms of their instrumentation and their artistic inspiration.
Jazz CD Review: “Compassion” — A Deft Homage to John Coltrane
Of course, neither saxophonist sounds precisely like Coltrane: there would be no point in trying.
The Annual Arts Fuse Holiday Gift Roundup — Tips From Enthusiasts
Wondering about what to give the arts and culture lover on your gift list? Some suggestions.
Fuse Music Feature: Best Jazz of the Year 2014
Be prepared for some challenging, off-the-beaten path choices, including a new tradition.