Bobby McFerrin at sound check, Adelphi University. Photo by Adam McCullough
After years of singing mostly songs without words, or in improvised languages of his own invention, Bobby McFerrin has returned to singing the type of songs in which the lyrics are as essential as the music, with words that express his deepest yearnings: spirituals. In my interview with McFerrin, he talks about his early career and influences, why he considers himself a “folk” musician, and the process of creating his new album spirityouall.
Stacey Kent, Jim Tomlinson, and Kazuo Ishiguro “Wish They Could Go Travelling Again” (Jazziz, April 2021)
Maria Schneider Profile/Interview (DownBeat, 12/16 Cover Story)
Jon Batiste's Love Riot (DownBeat, April 2017)
Anat Cohen – "Perfect Accent" (DownBeat, July 2017)
Wynton Marsalis – Building the Cathedral (DownBeat, Dec. 2017)
Kurt Elling on "The Questions" (DownBeat June 2018)
Miles Evans Talks About His Dad, Gil (DownBeat, Mar. 2019)
Singer Allegra Levy: "Lose My Number" (JazzTimes, Dec. 2020)
How I Fell In Love With Jazz – Uncle Sam's Jukebox
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)
Troubled Genius – The Making of Don Cheadle's film "Miles Ahead" (DownBeat, Apr 2016)
"In Jacob Collier’s Room" (DownBeat, Sept 2016)
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)
Australian Singer-Pianist Sarah McKenzie, in NYC, is Thinking About Paris and San Francisco
Bird Lives! Paquito D’Rivera revives “Charlie Parker w/Strings” at JALC (DownBeat, April 2013)
The New York Voices — 25 Years of Vocal Excellence (DownBeat, June 2013)
Eliane Elias at the Toronto Jazz Festival (DownBeat, 7/2/13)
Gregory Porter – The Storyteller (DownBeat)
Guitarist Ben Monder's Stunning "Hydra" (my review in Nov. 2013 DownBeat)
Donald Fagen – An Eminent Hipster Speaks
Seven New Vocal CDs – From 'Trad' to Rad
"Second Wind" – Chuck Israels' Tribute to Bill Evans, his Former Partner
Cassandra Wilson Reprises "Blue Light" in NYC (DownBeat, April '14)
Lauren Kinhan – "Circle In A Square" review
Catherine Russell – "Bring It Back" CD Review – DownBeat, Apr 2014
Rufus Reid: Still Evolving (DownBeat – June 2014)
Saxophonist Craig Handy – Serious Fun (DownBeat, March 2014)
Stacey Kent Weaves a Subtle Spell at Birdland – review from DownBeat.com, 12-27-13
Stacey Kent – The Changing Lights
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
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)
Gregory Porter and All-Stars Celebrate Blue Note Records' 75th Anniversary at Sea (DownBeat, Dec. 2015)
Jive Samba – Duduka da Fonseca (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)
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)
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)
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)
Allen Morrison - Music Journalist, Jazz Pianist, Songwriter, Lecturer - Long Island, NY 
You must be logged in to post a comment.