Dave Brubeck, convention-defying jazz pianist and author of the standards “In Your Own Sweet Way” and “The Duke,” among others, has died — just one day shy of his 92nd birthday. You May Also Like: Desmond White, “Dream Girl” from Glace (2017): One Track Mind Lyle Mays (1953-2020): An AppreciationRead More

In the jazz world, I’ve found that the long-established artists, especially the ones who play in the well-established styles, get the bulk of the buzz.

In one way or another, each of these recordings confounded and delighted me. Pushed me to new vistas, either in the way I approached the artist, their own original work, or the tunes they covered. Made me think, and feel differently. You May Also Like: Robert Cray – Robert CrayRead More

A couple of guys about a half generation apart but both a full generation or two after the ones who created the sweetly swinging jazz they thrive on, Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen carry the torch for the original great tenor sax masters You May Also Like: Tyler Mitchell featuringRead More

A vibrant and exciting live album, the aptly titled Live by the Elisabeth Lohninger Quartet finds the Austrian singer in her element and backed by a spirited and colorful band. You May Also Like: Guido Spannocchi Quartet – ‘Live at Porgy & Bess Vienna’ (2023) Daniel Carter, William Parker, MatthewRead More

A dazzling and cosmopolitan trip, Into the Air finds Jeff Coffin and his Mu’Tet in fine form indeed. You May Also Like: Cuong Vu 4-Tet, featuring Bill Frisell – ‘Change In the Air’ (2018)

Damn … damn! That’s the kind of reaction I have when hearing an artist who left us with still a lot remaining to give. You May Also Like: Vincent Meissner Trio, “Young Folks” from ‘Wille’ (2023): One Track Mind Nils Landgren Funk Unit – ‘Funk Is My Religion’ (2021) MatthewRead More

Formally trained as both a classical and jazz guitarist, DiVito has a passion for music that extends broadly beyond that (one of his gigs is leading a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band), and is deeply into music education. You May Also Like: The David Cross Band – ‘Ice Blue,Read More

Mort Weiss, the old-school bop clarinet player with youthful exuberance and energy, had just this month banged out his tenth album since 2001, I’ll Be Seeing You. You May Also Like: Dan Weiss Trio – ‘Dedication’ (2022) Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – ‘Cold as Weiss’ (2022)

This isn’t a ring-a-ding thing, a Rat Pack thing, a Sands hotel thing. And that’s a very good thing. What you’re struck by, as Paul McCartney cuts a quietly emotional figure on this live companion to his standards set Kisses on the Bottom is how un-dashing he is, how un-Sinatra.Read More