Julian Lage and Bill Frisell Combine Abilities on ‘View With a Room’
Julian Lage’s sound has the warmth of Joe Pass, the bite of Les Paul, and the dexterity of both, as exemplified by View With a Room.
blue note records
DOMi and JD BECK’s Debut Affirms Jaw-Dropping Musicianship
Under the tutelage of established artists Thundercat and Anderson Paak, DOMi & JD BECK hold their own with impressive results on Not Tight.
Immanuel Wilkins’ Second Blue Note Release Is the Real “Spiritual Jazz”
Rising star alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins pushes into revelation with his quartet and guests, making modern jazz at a peak of drama on The 7th Hand.
Drummer Johnathon Blake Is ‘Homeward Bound’
Johnathon Blake’s Blue Note debut, Homeward Bound, takes soulful jazz from the past, adds the complexity of the present with intelligence and adventure.
Bill Charlap’s Jazz Trio Elevates Tradition with Subtle Wonder
Bill Charlap is not so much leading a neo-traditionalism movement as he is playing a traditional style well—and with as much nuanced artfulness—as anyone in his generation.
Norah Jones Plays It Cool, Classic, and Timeless with ‘I Dream of Christmas’
Norah Jones’ I Dream of Christmas feels like a soothing salve on what seems like another troubled holiday season. It’s a wonderful soundtrack for the festivities.
Terence Blanchard Tips His Hat to Wayne Shorter’s on ‘Absence’
Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard tips his hat to Wayne Shorter’s past while pushing his own sound forward on Absence. It feels natural through and through.
R+R=Now’s ‘Live’ Honors the Tradition of Black American Creative Music
R+R=Now is an all-star jazz collective (Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Terrace Martin, Taylor McFerrin, and Justin Tyson) jamming live at New York’s Blue Note club. Chill and clean and modern.
Ambrose Akinmusire Muses ‘on the tender spot of every calloused moment’
The most notable trumpet player in jazz today, Ambrose Akinmusire, creates a major recording focusing on his quartet leaping from mode to mode.
‘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.
Jazz’s Kandace Springs Pays Tribute to ‘The Women Who Raised Me’
Singer and pianist Kandace Springs tackles a dozen songs associated with her jazz vocal heroes, and the combination of simplicity and sincerity is winning.
Agnes Obel’s Chamber Pop Hits a New Peak on ‘Myopia’
Agnes Obel's Myopia is delicate and personal, employing treated vocals and piano to plow depths of sorrow and interrogate dark storms of the soul.
