jason moran

Ron Miles’ ‘Rainbow Sign’ Is Quietly Fantastic

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.

The Best Jazz Albums of 2010

The Best Jazz Albums of 2010

Jazz was working all the angles in 2010. Is there any other genre that has as much range -- from solo instruments to big bands, from instrumental to vocal, from European musicians to both North and South Americans, from truly pretty music to raucously avant-garde "noise"?

Ron Miles: I Am a Man

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.

Henry Threadgill Ensemble Double Up: Old Locks and Irregular Verbs

Henry Threadgill Ensemble Double Up: Old Locks and Irregular Verbs

One of contemporary jazz's most unique voices pays respect to another unique voice.
In Defense of Covering Cover Songs

In Defense of Covering Cover Songs

Cover songs don't have to be all that bad. Just listen to what Becca Stevens and Jason Moran have been doing lately, and you'll see.
The Best Jazz of 2014

The Best Jazz of 2014

The skeptics who claim jazz is weaker than before simply aren't listening. As these 16 albums reveal, jazz remains on the cutting edge.
Monterey Jazz Festival: 19 September 2014 (Photos)

Monterey Jazz Festival: 19 September 2014 (Photos)

The 57th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival shone bright as a beacon for a long-standing organization with a mission for musical outreach and jazz education.
PRISM Quartet: People’s Emergency Center

PRISM Quartet: People’s Emergency Center

Long known for performing commissioned works, PRISM Quartet release a double album of original material. It is staggeringly wonderful.

Jack DeJohnette: Sound Travels

Paul Motian: Lost in a Dream

Otis Taylor: Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs

Jenny Scheinman: Crossing