Chops: Drummers Go Off the Grid
Swing or play straight? Push or lay back? Not so long ago, decisions about groove were fairly straightforward, almost set-and-forget. Now look: Every groove can … Read More “Chops: Drummers Go Off the Grid”
Short, often opinionated pieces by JazzTimes’ editor and other trusted contributors.
Swing or play straight? Push or lay back? Not so long ago, decisions about groove were fairly straightforward, almost set-and-forget. Now look: Every groove can … Read More “Chops: Drummers Go Off the Grid”
It only makes sense that Brooklyn-connected big bands have proliferated in recent years, for the borough is stocked with underemployed world-class musicians who can easily … Read More “Chronology: Big Bands of Brooklyn”
Recently we received a press release for a new recording by vocalist Mark Murphy called Hiding Place. We were excited to hear some new, perhaps … Read More “What’s in a Name?”
As I write these words, the United States is six months into the COVID-19 era, with no obvious end in sight. In his article “Welcome … Read More “JT Notes: The New Abnormal”
The July/August ’94 issue was the first in which JazzTimes did a 1:1 interview with two prominent artists. Though new to us at the time, … Read More “JT50: The July/August 1994 Issue of JazzTimes“
In the wake of Jimmy Smith’s breakout success, the Hammond B-3 roster circa 1960 included Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Don Patterson, Baby Face Willette, Freddie Roach, … Read More “Chronology: The Partnership of Larry Young and Woody Shaw”
You may possibly recall that in a previous era (about six months ago as I write this), JazzTimes used to publish reviews of concerts and … Read More “JT Notes: What to Do About Live Reviews?”
Many jazz artists have written music for large ensembles, from nonets all the way up to big bands of 16 pieces or more. But precious … Read More “Chops: Secrets of Orchestral Writing”
From the late 1950s until the early 1970s, Ornette Coleman’s most euphonious music was the product of a unique group of like-minded geniuses. The style … Read More “Chronology: Old And New Dreams Stands Apart”