Issue Articles
Andrews Family Trumpeter
Travis Hill Returns to the Stage
Travis Hill can really blow a horn and hit some remarkably high notes on his trumpet. On hearing Hill as a member of trombonist Corey Henry’s Treme Funktet or sitting […]
Terence Blanchard: Magnetic (Blue Note)
Buy on Amazon Terence Blanchard brilliantly continues his life-long exploration of jazz on his latest release. As one would expect of a musician of his caliber, broad experience, talent and […]
Jazz Fest 2013 Focus:
Christian Winther
“I sat in with Kermit Ruffins and the Rebirth on the street,” Christian Winther, 38, recalls about his first visit to New Orleans when he was 14 and already determined […]
Wayne Shorter’s Adventures in the Realm of Jazz’s Superheroes
Wayne Shorter speaks in much the same way that he plays. The saxophonist and composer articulates his unique world view, his quest for unanticipated directions and humor through his language, […]
BackTalk: Kermit Ruffins, Hot and Spicy
When people mention Kermit Ruffins, they rarely use his last name. They just say, “Hey, we’re going to hear Kermit tonight” or “We’re heading to Kermit’s place later.” Like one […]
French Quarter Fest 2013 Focus: Jane Harvey Brown
Jane Harvey Brown might not be a household name on the New Orleans classic jazz scene but it should be—and could be. Brown has several big assets in her favor. […]
A Lot Goin’ On: Bill Summers’ Journey to Jazalsa
Bill Summers has a lot goin’ on—he always has. The master percussionist leads two bands, Bill Summers & Jazalsa and its more traditional Spanish kin Jazalse. And along with trumpeter […]
Davell Crawford: The Prince of New Orleans
“I tell people that my mom had triplets—she had me, a little baby grand and a microphone,” Davell Crawford says and begins to laugh. His statement isn’t far from the […]
The Song Remains The Same? The Evolution of the Mardi Gras Songbook
The splendor of the Mardi Gras Indians’ feathered and beaded suits draws immediate awe when spotted coming down the city’s streets on Carnival Day. The Black Indians’ songs, so full […]
Calvin Johnson Jr., Jewel’s Lullaby (Alma Records)
On debut albums, it makes sense for young jazz musicians to introduce themselves by playing material penned by the masters. That way, listeners immediately have something to grasp and can […]
