Jazz and the Mob: A History
When master pianist Earl “Fatha” Hines was in the midst of a 12-year residency at the Grand Terrace nightclub on the South Side of Chicago, … Read More “Jazz and the Mob: A History”
Profiles
Catch up on the careers of the music’s greatest and latest artists.
Excavating the Career of Sam Rivers
One of the most extraordinary jazz concerts I’ve ever attended was the unaccompanied duo of Sam Rivers and Dave Holland at D.C. Space on May … Read More “Excavating the Career of Sam Rivers”
Whitney Balliett: Virtuoso on Paper
In its near-century of excellence, The New Yorker has been home to more than its share of tops-in-their-field contributors. There’s E.B. White, with his luminous … Read More “Whitney Balliett: Virtuoso on Paper”
Thelonious Monk’s First Sessions
Put a “the” in front of a name and it acquires historical heft. The Thelonious Monk who entered New York City’s WOR Studios as Halloween … Read More “Thelonious Monk’s First Sessions”
Ella Fitzgerald Gets Some Air, Thanks to Gregg Field
On the enchanted evening of August 16, 1958, Ella Fitzgerald took to the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl. There, with a lustrous orchestra conducted … Read More “Ella Fitzgerald Gets Some Air, Thanks to Gregg Field”
Seeing Double: Mary Halvorson Makes Nonesuch Records Debut with Two Albums
Be careful what you wish for. By the beginning of 2020 guitarist Mary Halvorson, one of the most acclaimed musicians of her generation, was also … Read More “Seeing Double: Mary Halvorson Makes Nonesuch Records Debut with Two Albums”
Will Bernard Taps Into Eclectic Delights on Pond Life
Guitarist Will Bernard bears the bittersweet blessing of virtuosic skill and eclectic taste, making his music a perpetual delight and yet hard to categorize. Maybe … Read More “Will Bernard Taps Into Eclectic Delights on Pond Life“
Overdue Ovation: It’s Happening Now for George Freeman
At 95, Chicago-based guitarist George Freeman is among the world’s oldest active jazz musicians. Although he came of musical age in the 1940s and counts … Read More “Overdue Ovation: It’s Happening Now for George Freeman”
Le Coq Records Turns Heads and Wins Veteran Collaborators
Ask founder/producer Piero Pata and VP/engineer Josh Connolly about the guiding concept behind Le Coq Records—their Las Vegas-based music label, established in January 2021—and the … Read More “Le Coq Records Turns Heads and Wins Veteran Collaborators”
