When Cecil Taylor’s Free Jazz Was at Its Peak
“This music is of biblical importance in many ways for fans of Cecil Taylor and the avant-garde. It was captured at an exciting time in his career.” – Zev Feldman
free jazz
Adam O’Farrill’s ‘ELEPHANT’ Is Simply Brilliant
Adam O’Farrill’s work on ELEPHANT is truly remarkable, which shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with his resume. He remains a joyous, endlessly curious artist.
Trumpeter Adam O’Farrill Dances with Brillance on ‘Elephant’
No Elephant has ever been this nimble and dancing. Adam O’Farrill’s new album pops and jabs, hops and slithers. It has all the moves. It’s engaging and impressive.
Jon Irabagon and Quartet Brilliantly Go in Every Direction
As a composer and bandleader, Jon Irabagon wants to open your ears to styles co-mingling. His heart as a musician is big enough to feel and do it all.
Alice Coltrane Knew No Boundaries
Rather than rescuing a forgotten figure, Cosmic Music enlarges the frame through which Alice Coltrane is seen.
Alice Coltrane: Conjurer of the Majestic
Andy Beta’s Alice Coltrane biography, Cosmic Music, is an excellent work about this forward-thinking and often misunderstood musician.
Jazz Trumpeter Dave Douglas Presents a New Quartet
Dave Douglas’ Four Freedoms allows his elastic band to take chances and improvise outside the lines. It’s a wonderful session that liberates your ears.
Laura Ann Singh Creates a Unique, Unclassifiable Gem
Laura Ann Singh steers her reckless way through traditional jazz, torch song elegance, avant-garde experiments, and an anarchic sense of punk rebellion.
Jazz Saxophonist Jon Irabagon Is a Magician and Shapeshifter
It’s a blessing that artists like Jon Irabagon are unafraid to defy convention, playing music both challenging and satisfying, rich in feeling but daring to have an edge.
‘Everything Is Now’ Digs Into NYC’s Avant-Garde Ferment
Everything Is Now expertly demonstrates how NYC’s varied avant-garde subcultures were birthed in cold-water lofts, coffeehouses, and tiny storefront galleries and theaters.
Mary Halvorson Is Always Thrilling and Amazing
The latest from guitarist Mary Halvorson is another master class in jazz performance and composition. If she is the future of jazz, we are in tremendously gifted hands.
Tim Berne’s ‘Yikes, Too’ Creates Adventure and Magic
Tim Berne’s Yikes Too is three imaginative jazz musicians in a sandbox, building and molding, occasionally smashing a bit, but most typically creating magic.