Bassist and Composer Stephan Crump Debuts a New Quartet
With Passerine, jazz artist Stephan Crump further expands the intrigue and power of his music, making his most lyrical album yet.
Will Layman
Will Layman is a writer, teacher and musician living in the Washington, DC area. He has been a contributor to National Public Radio and WNYC's "Soundcheck" as a jazz critic. He plays rock, funk, and jazz in the bars and clubs in and near the nation's capital. His fiction and humor appear in print and online.
Matthew Shipp and William Parker Discover Structure in Freedom
Matthew Shipp and William Parker operate with much more freedom than pop musicians and more leeway than traditional jazz musicians, but the essence is the same.
Superb Jazz Flautist Elena Pinderhughes Debuts as a Leader
Elena Pinderhughes is the most exciting jazz flute artist to emerge in a generation. Her mature debut as a leader might have been an event, but it sounds more like a mood.
Trombonist Ryan Keberle Discusses His Music by an MPB Pioneer
As Ryan Keberle explains, MPB was not unlike the rock revolution in the US—building on the tradition that came before it while also breaking thrilling new ground.
James Brandon Lewis Brilliantly Interprets Antonín Dvořák
Calling Antonín from James Brandon Lewis’ Red Lily band is another rollicking but meaningful statement from one of the most vital artists in creative music.
Meshell Ndegeocello Offers Superb Soulful Duets of Classics
Meshell Ndegeocello’s Synonym is a superb modern soul album filled with sensual grooves, compelling vocals, and ingenious arrangements.
Jazz Pianist David Virelles Meets the Elders in Trio Imagination
Trio Imagination’s David Virelles is one of the most interesting pianists on the scene, conjuring music that integrates his heritage into inquiring contemporary jazz.
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves Pay Tribute to Coltrane
Of all the John Coltrane tributes we’ll likely hear in 2026, Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves’ Dedicated to You will be the most heartfelt and authentic.
John Hollenbeck’s Singular Voice Animates’ Peace and Justice’
John Hollenbeck’s music is as distinct as Gil Evans’ or Oliver Nelson’s. You immediately hear the colors he whips up in distinct ways. It’s a prize for our ears.
Drummer Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble Fight Power with Love
Jazz drummer Matt Wilson’s political outrage and resistance are present but come through an embrace of love, community, and gorgeous music.
Gretchen Parlato Spins Jazz and Soul Into a Charmed Thing
Gretchen Parlato’s The Wise Ones is the perfect place to first encounter her. I still call it jazz, but we can also call it joyful, sublimely crafted music.
Henry Threadgill and Zooid Evoke Old and New Jazz Elements
Henry Threadgill’s Cut You Where You Was has a pointillistic quality. It offers tapas from his kitchen: one main dish to start, plus a masterpiece of more than 12 minutes.