Issue Articles
Obituary: Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill
“It has always been embedded in us to play music,” Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill once said of his musical family that included his grandfather Jessie “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” Hill […]
Barry Stephenson, Basic Truths (Independent)
If some jazz fans have yet to discover bassist Barry Stephenson, his regular rhythm section mate drummer Jamison Ross and many of the other excellent musicians on this album, they […]
Plunge, IN for the OUT (Immersion Records)
Trombonist Mark McGrain shuffles around the outstanding band members of his group Plunge on its latest release, IN for the OUT. Working in duo, trio, quartet and quintet formats with […]
Terrance Simien’s Bayou Boogaloo Debut
When accordionist/vocalist/composer Terrance Simien makes his debut at the Bayou Boogaloo on Friday, May 15, 2015, he’ll bring the Grammy award he won in 2008 along for the ride. He […]
Mike Dillon and the Punk Rock Percussion Consortium
Just the name, Mike Dillon’s New Orleans Punk Rock Percussion Consortium, which performs at the Bayou Boogaloo on Sunday, is enough to arouse one’s curiosity. “Okay, what’s that about?” To […]
Khari Allen Lee & the New Creative Collective, Our Great Awakening (Independent)
The spiritual nature of saxophonist Khari Allen Lee’s musical and philosophical state of mind is immediately revealed on the album’s opening, title track, “Our Great Awakening.” Pianist Michael Pellera begins […]
Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, #imsoneworleans (Basin Street Records)
The title of the album is actually also the name of the first and last cuts of trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers’ latest CD, “I’m So […]
Jazz Fest Focus: Tony Hall is James Brown
Tony Hall and the New Orleans Soul Stars’ Tribute to James Brown (First Jazz Fest Weekend) Saturday, April 25, Congo Square, 12:30 p.m. “You can’t fake the funk,” declares Tony […]
Kenny Garrett’s Happy Journey
By the time Kenny Garrett ended his show at Dillard University in January 2014, everybody in the Lawless Chapel was on their feet dancing. The alto and soprano saxophonist encouraged […]
Charles Lloyd Brings His Wild Man Dance to Jazz Fest
“I’m still drunk on the music, I was even before I was a teenager,” declares Charles Lloyd, 77, who remains passionate about music’s inherent humanitarian nature to communicate and foster […]
