Our October 2017 issue is on-sale now!
Highlights of this issue include:
Features
Essential Solos
To compile this list of 40 fantastic improvised solos you need to hear—and, if you’re a musician, transcribe—we polled more than 100 top players and critics. The results are almost certainly not what you’d expect, and we’ve included commentary by Joe Lovano, Helen Sung, Fred Hersch, Dave Douglas and many other artists.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Bridgewater, a recently knighted NEA Jazz Master, has been one of our greatest jazz singers for decades. But her formative years and family history are soaked in the blues and R&B, and she soulfully pushes those influences to the fore on her new album, Memphis … Yes, I’m Ready.
By Lee Mergner
Jaimie Branch
There’s a common complaint that today’s younger jazz musicians are a homogenous lot, devoid of character. The 34-year-old trumpeter Jaimie Branch, however, is just the opposite: absolutely unforgettable, from the jersey collection she calls stage wear to her lyrically strident free improvising.
By Shaun Brady
The State of the Cornet
Cornet devotees will speak in poetic verse about the instrument’s gorgeously foggy midrange tone and how its playability makes melodic beauty unavoidable. But could all of that be in the player’s head? Michael J. West talks to musicians, craftsmen and other experts to find out.
Columns & Departments
JT Notes
Editor Evan Haga on what list-making means
Opening Chorus
Mike Stern, Gilles Peterson, Camille Thurman, Newport Jazz Festival, Lauren Kinhan, news and farewells
Before & After
Marquis Hill: A listening session with the Chicago-bred trumpeter and former winner of the Thelonious Monk Competition.
Overdue Ovation
Joe Fiedler: His bop beginnings and avant-garde adventures
Artist’s Choice
Ambrose Akinmusire chooses tracks by other great
young trumpeters
Sound Advice
AudioFiles
Inside the Newvelle label’s vinyl subscription service by Brent Butterworth
Chops
Rob Mazurek and Cuong Vu offer an introduction to trumpet electronics
Gearhead
New additions to the Real Book library from Hal Leonard
Reviews
Reviews of albums by Vijay Iyer Sextet, Fabian Almazan, Lester Bowie, Alan Broadbent, Amir ElSaffar Rivers of Sound, David Gilmore, Tim Hagans, Abdullah Ibrahim, Russell Malone, Charnett Moffett, Gary Peacock Trio and many others.