The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis Create Ecstatic Post-Hardcore Jazz
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis make fearless and non-smooth fusion with the clarity and dynamism of “post-hardcore” that wasn’t around in the 1970s.
jazz
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.
Violinist Meg Okura Creates a Lush Span of Styles
Meg Okura creates a unique musical blend, and her new album with the Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Isaiah, is ambitious and lushly accessible.
The Setting Create a Unique Twist on the Jazz Trio
Jazz trio the Setting have brought to fruition Eivind Opsvik’s love of 1970s and 1980s synthesizer music, ECM solo guitar albums, and experimental art pop.
‘Sun Ra: Do the Impossible’ Achieves the Seemingly Impossible
In its gorgeous embroidery of color, sound, and thoughtful reflection, Sun Ra documentary Do the Impossible achieves the seemingly impossible.
Bill Frisell Follows His Dreams on Latest Release
As the title of Bill Frisell’s new album suggests, the music has a dreamlike quality. The atmospherics are generally soothing.
Cellist Tomeka Reid Creates Dancing String Band Jazz
Tomeka Reid’s music is full of the elements that have always made it fun to hear: a groove, memorable melodies, collective spirit, and conversation.
Yoshiko Sai Is Luminous on the Reissued ‘Mikkou’
Yoshiko Sai emerges as a true luminary unlike any other, holding together an eclectic palette with unshakeable artistic sensibilities and a truly fathomless mind.
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.
Melissa Aldana Creates Ideal Latin American Balladry
The overall sensation of Melissa Alada’s Filin is not just beauty but distillation. The songs, even those without sung lyrics, get definitive interpretations.
Jill Scott’s New Music Is As Vibrant As Ever
Jill Scott’s new album fits seamlessly with pop’s retro-futuristic fascination with the 1980s. Her signature mix of poetry, hip-hop, jazz, and soul is as vibrant as ever.
Vibes Phenom Joel Ross Dips His Jazz Into Gospel Music
Joel Ross takes his usual pyrotechnics and funnels them into a refined ensemble sound that also channels sincere, powerful jazz with a gospel center.