From OkayAfrica
Fatoumata Diawara: “People Need an Example in Africa, Because Politicians Can’t Be Our Example”
By: Angel E. Fraden
When I met with Fatoumata a few days before her headlining performance at Brooklyn Bowl for the World Music Institute’s Festival of Mali, she was still glowing after a grueling day of press. It took just a few minutes for Fatou to warm up and lean in as she tells me about her life– habitually swooping beaded braids over the top of her head in a playful manner that lets me know she’s comfortable.
As we spoke an exuberant glimmer of hope remained in Fatou’s eyes, even as she described the unfortunate circumstances that cripple and hinder her native Mali and the rest of Africa. The juxtaposition elicits echoes of Fatou’s “Kanou Dan Yen” (or “Stop loving/Our love has no future”), an exceptionally beautiful song from the new record about... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 14th, 2018 in News
From Rolling Stone
50 Best Albums of 2018 So Far
The Bad Plus, ‘Never Stop II’
Since forming in 2000, the Bad Plus have grown from upstart into institution, one of the few contemporary jazz acts to show up on... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 14th, 2018 in News
From The Columbus Dispatch
Saxophonist David Sanborn does’t let genres define himself or his music
By: Julia Oller
David Sanborn has six Grammy Awards, two dozen albums and a countless number of appearances as a session player, but he talks... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 14th, 2018 in News
From Nonesuch
Punch Brothers’ First Self-Produced Album, “All Ashore,” Due July 20 on Nonesuch
Punch Brothers’ first self-produced album, All Ashore, is due on CD and digitally July 20, 2018, from Nonesuch Records, with the vinyl to come September 7.... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 14th, 2018 in News
From New Jersey Stage
Regina Carter Named Artistic Director Of NJPAC’s All-Female Jazz Residency
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced that acclaimed jazz violinist Regina Carter will serve as Artistic Director of this
summer’s All-Female Jazz Residency.... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 13th, 2018 in News
From Point of Departure
Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas Sound Prints: Scandal
By: Troy Collins
Scandal marks the first time trumpeter Dave Douglas and saxophonist Joe Lovano have recorded a full studio album together as co-leaders. The two crossed paths... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 13th, 2018 in News
From Rochester City Newspaper
INTERVIEW: Jazzmeia Horn
By: Ron Netsky
She was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where her grandmother gave her a name that would prove to be prescient. “Jazzmeia” flowed nicely with her last name, Horn, but... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 13th, 2018 in News
From Downbeat
Playboy Jazz Fest Highlights New Talent and Genre Titans
By: Andy Hermann
For the first time in its 40-year history, the Playboy Jazz Festival returned to the Hollywood Bowl without its founder, Hugh Hefner, who passed away in... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 13th, 2018 in News
From For Folks Sake
Album | Thomas Bartlett & Nico Muhly – Peter Pears: Balinese Ceremonial Music
By: Lorenzo Righetto
The inscription on the imaginary doorstep leading to this record should read: “Have no fear, ye who enter here”. No... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 11th, 2018 in News
From The Burlington Free Press
A talk with Discover Jazz musician Anat Cohen
By: Brent Hallenbeck
Watch the interview below:
Watch on site here Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 9th, 2018 in News
From Mahogany
American soulstress, Deva Mahal, fluants her towering vocals on her cover of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’. Exclusively for COVERS. COVERS brings together Classic Songs and amazing New Artists against a bold silhouetted backdrop. Available on YouTube, Spotify... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 8th, 2018 in News
From The Guardian
Jazz CD of the month: Joshua Redman/Ron Miles/Scott Colley/Brian Blade: Still Dreaming review
By: John Fordham
Joshua Redman, trumpeter Ron Miles, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Brian Blade play six apposite but vibrantly contemporary originals, and one... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 8th, 2018 in News
From The Boston Globe
In Terence Blanchard’s hands, a trumpet is an instrument of protest
By: Bill Beuttler
Terence Blanchard didn’t have politics in mind when he formed the E-Collective. The idea was for Blanchard and the band that will... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From El Tiempo Latino
Chucho Valdés y Gonzalo Rubalcaba compartirán escenario en el DC JazzFest
By: Tibisay Zea
Los galardonados pianistas cubanos Chucho Valdés y Gonzalo Rubalcaba presentarán su show “Trance” el próximo viernes 15 de junio en el John... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From Jazz Corner
REVIEW: VOCALIST JAZZMEIA HORN HAD THEM EATING OUT OF HANDS AT SPOLETO!
By: Larry Reni Thomas
“I didn’t choose jazz. It chose me. When I was a teenager I heard Sarah Vaughan sing and I knew that’s... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From Jazzwise Magazine
Etienne Charles Triumphant At The Tabernacle With Timely Blend Of Defiance And Celebration
By: Kevin Le Gendre
This venue has deep historical resonance for black music in Britain. It has been a nerve centre for community activism... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From Région Normandie
NORMANDIE POUR LA PAIX : INTERVIEW DE YOUSSOU NDOUR « NOTRE MODÈLE, C’EST MANDELA »
By: JF H, Thierry D. and Christophe M.
Vous êtes la tête d’affiche du concert événement qui clôturera le Forum mondial Normandie... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From The Charleston Chronicle
The Chronicle Interviews Chucho Valdes: An Afro-Cuban Jazz Superstar with Soul
By: Hakim Abdul-Ali
In the worlds of musical tastes there are some good musicians and, in other considerations, there are some who are simply superlative... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From LA OPINIÓN
Daymé Arocena: la música es su religión
By: Armando Varela
“Mi mayor espiritualidad es la música y la fe que profeso tiene un sentido musical”, dice la compositora, cantante y directora Daymé Arocena desde La Habana, donde... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 7th, 2018 in News
From ABC News Australia
Gender bias in musical instrument selection has stopped Australia’s jazz scene from having more women leading shows and ensembles, according to industry experts. Traditionally instruments such as the drums and the trumpet are perceived as being... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 4th, 2018 in News
From Telesur
Omara Portuondo Showcases Cuba’s Talent in New Album
Renowned Cuban singer Omara Portuondo released her latest album, “Omara Siempre,” which showcases a collection of songs with fellow Cuban artists, in Havana Thursday. The 87-year-old, best known for her... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 4th, 2018 in News
From The Guardian
Fatoumata Diawara: Fenfo review – a seductive marriage of ancient and modern
By: Kitty Empire
Pierced of lip, electric guitarist Fatoumata Diawara has verve to spare, and a dynamic voice whose partial cloudiness is fundamental to its... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 4th, 2018 in News
From Folk Alley
Folk Alley Sessions: Anna & Elizabeth
In April, the duo Anna and Elizabeth (Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle) came to Beehive Productions studio in Saranac Lake, New York with their friend and colleague, Jarrett Gilgore (percussion). The... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 4th, 2018 in News
From Democracy Now!
Malian Singer Fatoumata Diawara Performs in the Democracy Now! Studio & Discusses the Migrant Crisis
“In a world of seven billion people, one billion are migrants.” Those are the words that appear at the start of the... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
From ATT.Net
Inmortalizan A La Cantante Lila Downs En Legendaria Cantina De México
La cantautora mexico-estadounidense Lila Downs será inmortalizada con un mural en el Salón Tenampa, la cantina más emblemática de la Ciudad de México y el lugar donde... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
From Business Day
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is Shabalala’s living legacy
By: Struan Douglas
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the African sound that has enjoyed the most success in the US, is performing a series of concerts in SA. The group has released... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
From The Times UK
Jazz review: Joshua Redman: Still Dreaming
By: Chris Pearson
In 1976, when the free-jazz pioneer Ornette Coleman switched to electric funk, some of his sidemen formed a breakaway group to continue his acoustic legacy. Here that... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
Beresheet – A new song!
Idan Raichel brings us Beresheet – a new song which he wrote during his travels, inspired by several unexpected encounters with people from Africa and India. The song is accompanied by a beautiful video created... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
From The Post and Courier
Review: Chucho Valdes forges American connections
By: Leah M Suarez
Somebody better check the roof at the the Gaillard Center. A giant of a man left his mark. Pianist Chucho Valdés and his mighty quartet... Read The Full Article
Posted Jun 1st, 2018 in News
From WBGH
Jazz Conversations – Terence Blanchard
89.7’s Eric Jackson caught up with Terence Blanchard to talk about his wide range of music influences from the 12 notes of the scale and his fascination with its interpretation, working with young... Read The Full Article
Posted May 31st, 2018 in News
From the Charleston Post & Courier
At this year’s Spoleto, Chucho Valdes brings the rhythm
By: Aaron Halls
A the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City earlier this year, acclaimed Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdes nods his head,... Read The Full Article
Posted May 31st, 2018 in News
From WYNC Soundcheck
The Powerful, Deep Soul of Singer Deva Mahal
By: John Schaefer
Meet the impressive R&B songstress Deva Mahal, who claims her parents as inspiration: blues legend Taj Mahal and dancer/artist/teacher Inshirah Mahal. Her latest record, Run Deep,... Read The Full Article
Posted May 31st, 2018 in News
From Charleston City Paper
The Chucho Valdes Quartet proves that Cuban jazz is the best jazz
By: Stratton Lawrence
At once relaxed and full of energy, the band took us on a ride that was both soothing and invigorating.
“This... Read The Full Article
Posted May 31st, 2018 in News
From the Charleston City Paper
Jazzmeia Horn takes her throne as the new queen of scat
By: Stratton Lawrence
Jazzmeia Horn’s debut album garnered a Grammy nomination, yet outside of the jazz community, she’s not a household name. But everyone... Read The Full Article
Posted May 30th, 2018 in News
From Music in Africa
Bassline Fest: Ladysmith Black Mambazo to rekindle love for Mandela
By: Ano Shumba
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are unquestionably South Africa’s best choral group that keeps flying the country’s flag high. Founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1960,... Read The Full Article
Posted May 29th, 2018 in News
From The Australian
Terri Lyne Carrington stars at Melbourne International Jazz Festival
By: Eric Myers
American drummer Terri Lyne Carrington arrives for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival this week. It’s her third visit to Australia, and much anticipated by her... Read The Full Article
Posted May 29th, 2018 in News
From the Charleston City Paper
Chucho Valdes and his quartet live in the moment
By: Vincent Harris
It would be difficult to tell the history of Cuban music, and Cuban jazz specifically, without mentioning Chucho Valdes. As a pianist, bandleader,... Read The Full Article
Posted May 28th, 2018 in News
From The Post and Courier
Jazzmeia Horn’s vocal jazz shines light on social injustice
By: Andrea Henderson
At 27 years old, Jazzmeia Horn is the youngest musician to be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in... Read The Full Article
Posted May 27th, 2018 in News
From Vice
From ‘25th Hour’ to ‘BlacKkKlansman’: The Man Behind Spike Lee’s Music
By: Noel Ransome
Despite having been involved in every film I hold dear (Malcolm X, Love & Basketball, Mo’Betta Blues, 25th Hour) while holding onto five Grammy... Read The Full Article
Posted May 27th, 2018 in News
From Charleston City Paper
Jazzmeia Horn’s debut album evokes old-school vocalists
By: Vincent Harris
To fans of old-school vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald or Nancy Wilson, the 2017 debut album by Dallas’ Jazzmeia Horn, A Social Call, must seem heaven-sent. Horn’s... Read The Full Article
Posted May 26th, 2018 in News
From Afropop Worldwide
Fenfo
Any young female singer in Mali has to know that she is stepping into the territory of goddesses. From Fanta Damba to Oumou Sangaré, Mali has produced as many exceptional women of song as just about... Read The Full Article
Posted May 25th, 2018 in News
From Nonesuch
“Still Dreaming,” featuring Joshua Redman, Ron Miles, Scott Colley, Brian Blade, Out Now on Nonesuch
Saxophonist and composer Joshua Redman is joined by drummer Brian Blade, bassist Scott Colley, and cornetist Ron Miles for Still Dreaming —an album... Read The Full Article
Posted May 25th, 2018 in News
From The Financial Times
Joshua Redman: Still Dreaming — ‘solos flow freely’
By: Mike Hobart
As before, the front line blends spiky trumpet with the round warmth of tenor sax, firework drums mesh with unhurried bass and the Coleman root... Read The Full Article
Posted May 25th, 2018 in News
From GRAMMY.com
One Take: Deva Mahal On Robyn, Willie Nelson & Listening In Bed
By: Philip Merrill
At SXSW 2018, Deva Mahal caught our attention with her soulful voice and lyrics. Her debut album, Run Deep, was released days later... Read The Full Article
Posted May 24th, 2018 in News
From BBC Two
Deva Mahal – Snakes
Deva Mahal performs “Snakes” on the BBC Two program ‘Later… with Jools Holland.’
See it on BBC player here Read The Full Article
Posted May 23rd, 2018 in News
From Drum China
Walk between jazz and electronic music | Drummer China interview with drum master Mark Guiliana
By: Vida
On May 18-19, 2018, a jazz quartet led by the famous drummer Mark Guiliana landed in Beijing and performed brilliant... Read The Full Article
Posted May 23rd, 2018 in News
From The Lexington Herald Leader
Jazzman Joshua Redman’s new album: The more you tune in, the more you hear
By: Walter Tunis
It’s no coincidence as the final minutes fade on “Still Dreaming,” the newest Nonesuch album featuring saxophonist Joshua... Read The Full Article
Posted May 22nd, 2018 in News
From Financial Times
Fatoumata Diawara: Fenfo — ‘Malian funk-rock’
By: David Honigmann
[…] Now Diawara (with Chedid as co-producer and guitarist) has made a second album of her own. Fenfo is closer to Chedid’s funk-rock template than to the acoustic... Read The Full Article
Posted May 21st, 2018 in News
From Financial Times
Brad Mehldau Trio: Seymour Reads the Constitution! — ‘compositional rigour’
By: Mike Hobart
[…] But as good as Ballard and Grenadier are, roles are clearly defined, and there’s no mistaking that Mehldau’s piano is the lead voice.... Read The Full Article
Posted May 21st, 2018 in News
From PopMatters
‘Seymour Reads the Constitution!’ is Brad Mehldau’s 2018 Victory Lap
By: Chris Ingalls
Brad Mehldau excels in a variety of musical environments. He’s an accomplished solo pianist – both in classical and jazz genres – and his work... Read The Full Article
Posted May 21st, 2018 in News