“Despite being at the crest of a 25-year career, during which he has been called ‘the standout male jazz vocalist of our time’ by the New York Times, among many other awards and accolades, he is modest about his achievements and self-critical to a fault. At one point in our conversation he blurts out, ‘Man, I sure wish I could sing better.’” My cover story from the May 2020 JazzTimes.
On her new album, singer-songwriter Becca Stevens achieves two things that seem contradictory: accessibility and complexity. My interview with Becca from the May 2020 DownBeat.
Filed under Becca Stevens, Michael League, Music Writing and Clips
My JazzTimes interview with singer/trumpeter Bria Skonberg explores how a blonde-haired, blue-eyed farm girl from Chilliwack, B.C. managed to become a singing, trumpet-playing hot jazz icon in New York City – and how she refuses to be pigeonholed.
The delightful jazz singer Cyrille Aimée has some fascinating stories, including a few about her friend @Stephensondheim, whose songs she boldly and brilliantly reinvents on her recent album, “Move On – A Sondheim Adventure.” Here is my December JazzTimes cover story on her.
Filed under Cyrille Aimée, Stephen Sondheim
New York vibraphonist/percussionist Erik Charlston is one of the busiest session musicians in New York, playing everything from Latin jazz to Broadway shows to opera. His latest album with his JazzBrasil group is inspired by the great Brazilian composer Hermeto Pascoal. But, despite all his musical genre-hopping, it’s Charlston‘s ability to dance a mean mambo that might lead to his most visible role yet: a part in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming remake of West Side Story. Read my article from the December DownBeat here.
Filed under Brazilian music, Erik Charlston, Hermeto Pascoal
It was a total joy to revisit these great sides in my review of the new vinyl box set for DownBeat.
Filed under Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, Max Roach, Miles Davis, Music Writing and Clips
If you love Bernstein’s music from West Side Story (and, really, if you don’t, what’s wrong with you?) you must hear it played by saxophonist @tednash in his trio with guitarist Steve Cardenas and bassist @benallisonmusic. Somewhere Else is an easy add to my 10 best list for 2019. I gave it five stars in a review just published at DownBeat.
Kurt Elling on "The Questions" (DownBeat June 2018)
Australian Singer-Pianist Sarah McKenzie, in NYC, is Thinking About Paris and San Francisco
(DownBeat, Sept. 2018)
Miles Evans Talks About His Dad, Gil (DownBeat, Mar. 2019)
Maria Schneider Profile/Interview (DownBeat, 12/16 Cover Story)
DownBeat Readers Named “The Thompson Fields” Album of the Year in 2016 Readers Poll
Jon Batiste's Love Riot (DownBeat, April 2017)
How he got the Colbert gig, what he learned from Kenny Barron, and more
Anat Cohen – "Perfect Accent" (DownBeat, July 2017)
Clarinet wizard Anat Cohen talks about her love of Brazilian music, and more.
Wynton Marsalis – Building the Cathedral (DownBeat, Dec. 2017)
How I Fell In Love With Jazz – Uncle Sam's Jukebox
Interview on Capitol Public Radio, Sacramento
Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition: London's Deelee Dubé and Denmark's Sinne Eeg Shine (Jazz Times, 11/23/16)
A Conversation with Catherine Russell (Jazz Times, Dec. 2016)
The singer on her legendary parents, her pop past and her new exploration of Harlem’s rich musical legacy
Troubled Genius – The Making of Don Cheadle's film "Miles Ahead" (DownBeat, Apr 2016)
Don Cheadle’s gritty portrayal of a drug-addled, gun-toting Miles Davis is the most anticipated jazz film in decades.
"In Jacob Collier’s Room" (DownBeat, Sept 2016)
Interview with the 21-year-old British jazz phenom
Duchess – Laughing at Life (CD Review, DownBeat 3-17)
Duchess Brings Harmony and Hijinks to NYC's 55 Bar (DownBeat, 2/27/17)
Trio da Paz Celebrates 30 Years Together (DownBeat, 1/3/17)
Newport Fest Highlights Soloists and Teamwork (DownBeat.com 8/17/17)
Catching Up With Russell Malone (Jazz Times, August 2016)
Bird Lives! Paquito D’Rivera revives “Charlie Parker w/Strings” at JALC (DownBeat, April 2013)
My review of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Charlie Parker with Strings” concert, with Paquito D’Rivera
The New York Voices — 25 Years of Vocal Excellence (DownBeat, June 2013)
The under-appreciated New York Voices (Darmon Meader, Kim Nazarian, Peter Erskine and Lauren Kinhan) are one of the most accomplished vocal jazz groups ever. This year they celebrate their 25th anniversary with their first live album.
Eliane Elias at the Toronto Jazz Festival (DownBeat, 7/2/13)
At the Toronto Jazz Festival in late June, perhaps my favorite moments were with the astonishing Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias and her trio. Here’s the first of my two festival reviews in DownBeat.
Gregory Porter – The Storyteller (DownBeat)
My cover story for the October 2013 DownBeat
Guitarist Ben Monder's Stunning "Hydra" (my review in Nov. 2013 DownBeat)
Guitarist Ben Monder’s Stunning “Hydra” (my review in Nov. 2013 DownBeat)
Donald Fagen – An Eminent Hipster Speaks
Donald Fagen Profile, DownBeat, 12/13
Seven New Vocal CDs – From 'Trad' to Rad
Jazz CDs – Column by Allen Morrison, DownBeat, Dec 2013
"Second Wind" – Chuck Israels' Tribute to Bill Evans, his Former Partner
DownBeat, Jan. 2014
Cassandra Wilson Reprises "Blue Light" in NYC (DownBeat, April '14)
My review in the April 2014 DownBeat
Lauren Kinhan – "Circle In A Square" review
in DownBeat, March 2014
Catherine Russell – "Bring It Back" CD Review – DownBeat, Apr 2014
Rufus Reid: Still Evolving (DownBeat – June 2014)
Rufus has played with everybody from Dexter Gordon to Stan Getz, and now is writing award-winning big-band compositions. My look back at his career from the June DownBeat.
Saxophonist Craig Handy – Serious Fun (DownBeat, March 2014)
Singer Dee Dee Bridgewater used to call him “my Handy-man.” Now he’s back with a new album that blends the music of organist Jimmy Smith with contemporary jazz and N.O. second-line. My interview with Handy from DownBeat (March ’14).
Stacey Kent Weaves a Subtle Spell at Birdland – review from DownBeat.com, 12-27-13
Stacey Kent – The Changing Lights
CD Review from DownBeat, May 2014
Bob Dorough, 90, Is Still Hip
Paquito D’Rivera & Trio Corrente Light Up MIMO Fest in Brazil
Cecile McLorin Salvant: Young Provacateur (DownBeat cover story, 8/14)
Jazz Legends of the Winter (Jazz Fest) – DownBeat 1/28/15
Pianist Mike LeDonne hosts an evening of jazz legends for a worthy cause.
At 80, Bossa Nova Pioneer Joao Donato Isn't Slowing Down (DownBeat, 12/5/14)
"Chick Corea – The Music Defies Words" (DownBeat 12/14)
Taj Mahal Satisfies and Tickles, Too at SFJazz (DownBeat.com, 3/12/15)
Review of Taj’s 2/26 show at the S.F. Jazz Center
Gregory Porter and All-Stars Celebrate Blue Note Records' 75th Anniversary at Sea (DownBeat, Dec. 2015)
Jive Samba – Duduka da Fonseca (Jazz Times)
My review of new CD, in Jazz Times
Bossa Nova Pioneer Carlos Lyra Returns to U.S. for First Time in 50 Years (DownBeat, 6/3/15)
DownBeat Visits Catherine Russell in Studio for ‘Harlem’ Sessions (DownBeat, 12-11-15)
Back In The Studio, Catherine Russell Makes Everything Old New Again
Newport 2014 Review, Part 2 (Marsalis, JLCO, Dee Dee Bridgewater)
Bebop royalty join new vocal jazz group in historic vocalese summit (DownBeat, 9/22/15)
Bill Withers Returns to Spotlight for Carnegie Hall Tribute (DownBeat, 10/6/15)
Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg – The Underdog (Jazz Times, July 2015)
Newport Jazz Festival 2015 – My Take (DownBeat, 8-7-15)
Turning 90, legendary drummer Roy Haynes celebrates with Pat Metheny & Christian McBride (Jazz Times, 3/16/15)
Charlap and Friends Celebrate B'way & Harlem Tunesmiths at Jazz at Lincoln Center (DownBeat, 4/13/16)
…with help from Cecile McLorin Salvant, Freddy Cole, Houston Person and Ken Peplowski 
Lizz Wright: Total Devotion (DownBeat, Jan. 2016)
Barth Brings Eloquent, Hard-Charging Swing to Mezzrow (DownBeat, May 18, 2016)
Kamasi Washington Presents Jazz-Rock Spectacle in New York (DownBeat 3/22/16)
Live review of Webster Hall show, March 2016
Jon Batiste Chats About His Favorite Jazz Xmas Albums (DownBeat.com Dec 9, 2016)
Becca Stevens Band Embraces Jazz-Folk in-Pittsburgh (DownBeat, May 31, 2016)
Elias Revisits Brazilian Classics at Birdland (DownBeat 4-10-15)
Brazilian singer Clara Moreno, daughter of Joyce, re-imagines a jazz samba classic (DownBeat, Nov. 2016)
"Making the Invisible Visible" – my interview with Wayne Shorter Quartet members Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade (DownBeat, March 2013)
My interview with Wayne Shorter Quartet members in Downbeat, March 2013
