Every so often, someone comes along like a breath of fresh air. With ‘Reflection of Another Self,’ Milena Casado becomes the next one.

When a musician of Spalding’s caliber makes an “I don’t give a damn what the people think” kind of record, that’s exactly when the people need to pay the most attention.

The Electric Lady is, in Janelle Monáe’s words, “this glowing Technicolor woman.” A totem of sorts, the vision of the titular force behind her second full-length record drives every ounce You May Also Like: Michael Leonhart Orchestra – ‘The Painted Lady Suite’ (2018)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNLlhogny0&w=500&h=305] I expected Joe Lovano, after an association dating back to 1981, to offer tribute to Paul Motian — the legend who died just two months before the saxist began Cross Culture. Instead, Lovano begins with a sun-drenched burst of joy. You May Also Like: Marcin Wasilewski Trio feat.Read More

There might not be a more accurate title for a Mike Stern album than the one coming out next week. You May Also Like: Mike Stern – Trip (2017) Mike Stern and Jeff Lorber Fusion – ‘Eleven’ (2019)

The New York Times, in a recent piece, said celebrated young jazz bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding has “the potential to reinvigorate an entire genre.” To which, she replies: “No, it just needs better publicity.” You May Also Like: Uri Gurvich – Kinship (2018) Ginger Baker on His Passion for Jazz: SomethingRead More

The inaugural International Jazz Day on April 30, called by Herbie Hancock as his initial proposal upon being named a goodwill ambassador by UNESCO, will include concerts in New Orleans, Paris and New York. Jazz-related events are also scheduled in several dozen other countries, as well. You May Also Like:Read More

Esperanza Spalding comes into this already boasting an impressive resume: flinty jazz bassist, carmel-voiced chanteuse, Grammy sensation. With Radio Music Society, she clearly hopes to add another line: Pop star. You May Also Like: Buggles’ ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ Predicted the Music Industry’s Larger Shift

Jack DeJohnette, the ferociously talented rhythmnist, opens and closes this project at the piano, all alone. There’s a quiet grace about it that belies everything we’ve come in expecting from, you know, a jazz drummer’s record. You May Also Like: Jack DeJohnette, with Ravi Coltrane and Matthew Garrison – InRead More

The Eagles and Tom Petty play the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for the first time, as 2012’s lineup is announced for the sprawling outdoor music event featuring rock, jazz, Americana, gospel, rhythm and blues, Cajun and zydeco. You May Also Like: Mudcrutch’s belated self-titled debut brought Tom PettyRead More