Our November issue is on sale now!
ART BLAKEY
A century ago this October, one of the crucial figures in jazz’s history—a drummer of the highest rank, a bandleader who mentored generations of leaders, a man who helped keep the music going in tough times—was born. To celebrate, Michael J. West asked more than three dozen musicians who played with Art Blakey for their memories of Jazz Messenger number one.
BILLY COBHAM
For his latest project, the fusion legend has gone back in time, sort of: to the music of his 1974 album Crosswinds. But this retracing of steps is based in continued creativity, not nostalgia. Cobham explains his rationale to Jeff Tamarkin, who also learns why the guy who played drums on Jack Johnson, Birds of Fire, and Spectrum considers his playing style “simple.”
DAVID SÁNCHEZ
He didn’t make a recording under his own name for more than a decade. Now, following the release of Carib—the first of a planned series of albums tracing the musical traditions of the African diaspora—David Sánchez is ready to explain what took him so long: in a word, research. Conversing with Natalie Weiner, the tenor saxophonist shares what he’s discovered so far.
ROY DeCARAVA
In 1960, jazz photographer Roy DeCarava spent months compiling a fine-art book called the sound i saw. Never published during his lifetime, it’s finally seeing the light of day. David R. Adler gave it a close look and talked to DeCarava’s widow about her celebrated husband’s work.
+
Opening Chorus: The first Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition, Adam Rudolph, Matt Slocum, Sam Ospovat
Chronology: Ethan Iverson on Charli Persip
Farewells to Clora Bryant and Cousin Mary
The Scene: The Suncoast Jazz Festival in Clearwater, Fla.
+
A Before & After listening session with Leon Parker
An Overdue Ovation for Ben Goldberg
Audio Files: Brent Butterworth on lossless streaming
Gearhead: Danny Gottlieb and his favorite sticks, plus products from Behringer, Korg, IsoAcoustics, and more
Chops: Jamison Ross sings while he drums, and vice versa
Artist’s Choice: Erik Charlston pays tribute to Hermeto Pascoal
+
Album Reviews: John Coltrane, Chrissie Hynde, Wallace Roney, Dave Holland/Zakir Hussain/Chris Potter, Mark Winkler, Caroline Davis and Rob Clearfield’s Persona