A round-up of the most interesting jazz-related blogs this week, in alphabetical order, because that’s the egalitarian thing to do.
S. Victor Aaron reviews new albums from Anthony Wilson and Will Martina, while Mark Saleski ruminates on the pleasures of Barry Manilow and Paul Motian’s innovative music of the mid-’80s.
Nitsuh Abebe wonders just why it is that we often consider “pretty” music less inherently meaningful than abrasive music, and counters with an argument of his own.
Pamela Espeland muses on the possibilities of Jazz At Lincoln Center’s upcoming international diaspora.
Mike Finkelstein catches an inventive show with cellist Maya Beiser and percussionist Evelyn Glennie; Don Heckman posts his Picks of the Week, and checks out a Kenny Burrell concert.
Peter Hum continues on his explorative series of solo piano reviews with discs from Larry Goldings and Michael Cain, contemplates a seemingly universal lick, and speculates about the continued influence of Bill Evans.
Steven Hyden talks to R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills about the demise of his groundbreaking band.
Howard Mandel meets avant-garde pianist and Iraq War-veteran William “WATIV” Thompson for coffee on the latter’s first New York visit, and gets belted by Shemekia Copeland’s blues at Lincoln Center.
Peter Margasak listens to the artful toy piano of Phyllis Chen, and looks ahead to the premiere of a new vocal piece by Nico Muhly.
Dean Minderman breaks down St. Louis’ jazz offerings for the week, and anticipates an upcoming jazz nativity performance.
Marc Myers looks back at Roy Ayers’ career in time for a rare L.A. performance, and posts an in-depth interview with tenor sax man Dick Hafer.
Doug Ramsey recounts his own memory of Norman Granz, as well as highlighting a rare film from the producer, and posts video of Oscar Peterson on the Dick Cavett Show.
Simon Rentner looks at five examples of jazz crossbreeding with electronic music, and connects to a live concert from Warren Wolf and Lage Lund.
Hank Shteamer spotlights the noisy Brooklyn trio Multitudes, and encourages readers to check out Bill McHenry.
Michael Steinman remembers Eddie Condon on the guitarist/bandleader’s birthday, and enjoys a live recording from the Bay Area All-Stars.
And don’t forget our very own columns/blogs at JazzTimes.com:
Dominic Fragman continues his interview with Andrew Cyrille.
John Hollenbeck offers his Artist’s Choice playlist of fellow drummer/composer Jack DeJohnette.
Christopher Loudon explores the jazz roots of Harry Belafonte.
Lee Mergner announces the lineup for the Havana International Jazz Festival and shares a video interview with Miguel Zenon from the Newport Jazz Festival..
John Moultrie posts video of Stefon Harris discussing the varying perspectives on Cuban culture and music.
