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The Best Jazz of 2018

The definition of "jazz" has never been broader, and the music has never been brighter. Two PopMatters critics pick their favorites in four modern jazz categories.

Justin Cober-Lake and Will Layman

Music

Cuong Vu 4Tet: Change in the Air

With guitarist Bill Frisell in tow, Seattle trumpeter Cuong Vu creates a dramatic set of all original tunes that reflects a cross-continental sensibility on Change in the Air.

Music

Jazz Legend Charles Lloyd and Americana's Lucinda Williams Join Forces Beautifully on 'Vanished Gardens'

Charles Lloyd's Americana/jazz group is joined by the marvelous Lucinda Williams on half the tracks here, creating a diverse, minor masterpiece.

Music

Conversations with Himself: Guitarist Bill Frisell on His New Solo Guitar Outing

Maverick jazz guitarist Bill Frisell moved back to New York City and looked deep into his own catalog of tunes for a new solo guitar recording. Our interview.

Music

Ron Miles: I Am a Man

Cornet specialist Ron Miles, from Denver, brings in a stupendous band for a set of gorgeous, intriguing explorations that are lyrical, free, and incisive in turns.

Music

Allen Toussaint: American Tunes

On his final album, New Orleans songwriter, producer, and pianist Toussaint puts his distinctive stamp on jazz, pop, and R&B classics.

Music

Lucinda Williams: The Ghosts of Highway 20

On her superb new album, Lucinda Williams takes the wheel for a memory trip down Highway 20.

Music

Vinicius Cantuária: Vinicius Canta Antonio Carlos Jobim

What happens when one Brazilian music giant tackles another? Smooth sailing, that's what.

Music

Jazz May Be Reeling in Terms of Record Sales, But It's Thriving As an Art Form

What if today’s jazz is a little bit Bill Frisell and a little bit Ornette Coleman?

Music

Sam Amidon: Lily-O

Singer, guitarist, fiddler, banjo player, Sam Amidon's sixth album is a patchwork of delights.

Music

Bill Frisell: Guitar in the Space Age!

Space Cadet Frisell requests permission to come aboard.

Music

Stefano Bollani: Joy in Spite of Everything

There are different ways to experience and to express joy. It can be celebratory, or quiet and introspective. Joy in Spite of Everything balances those poles of sound and style on what is one of the most successful jazz releases of the year.

Music

Floratone: Floratone II

Bill Frisell's studio-centric band comes back for round two - and they sound so, so much better.

Music

Bill Frisell: Blues Dream

American guitarist Bill Frisell fronts a genre-shifting chamber septet on this overlooked smash, recorded in 2001 and now reissued.

Music

Bill Frisell on John Lennon: Talking About 'All We Are Saying'

The unique jazz guitarist talks about All We Are Saying -- his recent cover album of 16 John Lennon tunes -- as well as how the Beatles changed his life, and how back in the day, owning an instrument meant you were automatically in a band.

Performing Arts

Pop Ten

The 70 Best Albums of 2018

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The 20 Best Folk Albums of 2018

The Best Jazz of 2018

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The definition of "jazz" has never been broader, and the music has never been brighter. Two PopMatters critics pick their favorites in four modern jazz categories.

With guitarist Bill Frisell in tow, Seattle trumpeter Cuong Vu creates a dramatic set of all original tunes that reflects a cross-continental sensibility on Change in the Air.

Charles Lloyd's Americana/jazz group is joined by the marvelous Lucinda Williams on half the tracks here, creating a diverse, minor masterpiece.

Maverick jazz guitarist Bill Frisell moved back to New York City and looked deep into his own catalog of tunes for a new solo guitar recording. Our interview.

Cornet specialist Ron Miles, from Denver, brings in a stupendous band for a set of gorgeous, intriguing explorations that are lyrical, free, and incisive in turns.

On his final album, New Orleans songwriter, producer, and pianist Toussaint puts his distinctive stamp on jazz, pop, and R&B classics.

On her superb new album, Lucinda Williams takes the wheel for a memory trip down Highway 20.

What happens when one Brazilian music giant tackles another? Smooth sailing, that's what.

What if today’s jazz is a little bit Bill Frisell and a little bit Ornette Coleman?

Singer, guitarist, fiddler, banjo player, Sam Amidon's sixth album is a patchwork of delights.

Space Cadet Frisell requests permission to come aboard.

There are different ways to experience and to express joy. It can be celebratory, or quiet and introspective. Joy in Spite of Everything balances those poles of sound and style on what is one of the most successful jazz releases of the year.

Bill Frisell's studio-centric band comes back for round two - and they sound so, so much better.

American guitarist Bill Frisell fronts a genre-shifting chamber septet on this overlooked smash, recorded in 2001 and now reissued.

The unique jazz guitarist talks about All We Are Saying -- his recent cover album of 16 John Lennon tunes -- as well as how the Beatles changed his life, and how back in the day, owning an instrument meant you were automatically in a band.

Don't call him just-a-bassist!