Ron Miles’ ‘Rainbow Sign’ Is Quietly Fantastic
Don't sleep on this magical, flowing music, even if it purposely courts a dreamy mood. The jazz cornetist and composer gets four other distinctive players to come quietly together for a greater good.
bill frisell
‘Harmony’ Is About As Bill Frisell As a Bill Frisell Recording Can Be
Bill Frisell's debut on Blue Note Records is a gentle recording featuring a few oddball gems, particularly when he digs into the standard repertoire with Petra Haden's voice out front.
The Big Ears Festival Introduces Goers to New Concepts and New Paradigms
While some festivals introduce you to new bands, Big Ears introduces participants to new concepts, to new paradigms. And in a world where the ills seem greater than the remedies, Big Ears is a potent and welcome elixir.
Bill Frisell, Thomas Morgan, and Their Unorthodox Cover Choices on ‘Epistrophy’
Guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan give us another quiet night at the Vanguard by way of the ECM label.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lucinda Williams: The Ghosts of Highway 20
On her superb new album, Lucinda Williams takes the wheel for a memory trip down Highway 20.