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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.

Justin Cober-Lake and Will Layman

Music

Luciana Souza Gets Highly Poetic on 'The Book of Longing'

Every line, every note of Luciana Souza's program of poetry turned into song as The Book of Longing is imbued with the power of feeling expressed through compression rather than explosion.

Music

Luciana Souza Delivers a Breathtaking Album of Nuance, Homage, and Poetry with 'The Book of Longing'

At times abstract and elusive while others vivacious and brimming with energy, Luciana Souza's The Book of Longing is a brilliant and sensual release from one of today's foremost jazz-crossover singers.

Music

Luciana Souza Sings, If Not Speaks, in Tongues

Drawing from jazz, samba, funk, Afro-pop and more, Speaking in Tongues delights in any language, with or without words.

George Varga

Interviews

Luciana Souza’s Multi-Directional Approach to Jazz Singing

The singular Brazilian-American singer, Luciana Souza, has two new albums out in August, utterly different and utterly her.

Music

The Best Jazz of 2007

In spite of the perception of jazz as an increasingly niche market, the year's best show a style of music that remains ever youthful in its exploration of new territories, expanding its diversity and range of expression.

Will Layman

Features

Herbie Hancock: River

The great jazz pianist, with Wayne Shorter at his elbow and a list of sympathetic guest singers, makes a stunning Joni Mitchell tribute.

Music

Pop Ten

The 50 Best Albums of 2019 So Far

Jackie Chan's 10 Best Films

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 1: 100 - 81

Sounds of the Zomia, Sounds of Resistance: An Interview with Kink Gong

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Mixed Media

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PM Picks

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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.

Luciana Souza Gets Highly Poetic on 'The Book of Longing'

Every line, every note of Luciana Souza's program of poetry turned into song as The Book of Longing is imbued with the power of feeling expressed through compression rather than explosion.

Luciana Souza Delivers a Breathtaking Album of Nuance, Homage, and Poetry with 'The Book of Longing'

At times abstract and elusive while others vivacious and brimming with energy, Luciana Souza's The Book of Longing is a brilliant and sensual release from one of today's foremost jazz-crossover singers.

Luciana Souza Sings, If Not Speaks, in Tongues

Drawing from jazz, samba, funk, Afro-pop and more, Speaking in Tongues delights in any language, with or without words.

Luciana Souza’s Multi-Directional Approach to Jazz Singing

The singular Brazilian-American singer, Luciana Souza, has two new albums out in August, utterly different and utterly her.

The Best Jazz of 2007

In spite of the perception of jazz as an increasingly niche market, the year's best show a style of music that remains ever youthful in its exploration of new territories, expanding its diversity and range of expression.

Herbie Hancock: River

The great jazz pianist, with Wayne Shorter at his elbow and a list of sympathetic guest singers, makes a stunning Joni Mitchell tribute.

The 50 Best Albums of 2019 So Far

Body of Work: On Burt Lancaster's Physicality in Film

A Black Ariel? Must Be a Whole New (Disney) World

Sounds of the Zomia, Sounds of Resistance: An Interview with Kink Gong

Winnow's 'Light the Match' Is Aflame with Gritty Roots Rock (album stream) (premiere)

In His New Van Session, Craig Stickland Presents "Break Every Rule" (premiere)

Aimée Faces Chronic Anxiety Head on with "Break Me" (premiere)

Corb Lund and Hayes Carll Join Forces for "Cover of the Rolling Stone" (premiere)

Golden Dawn Arkestra Seeks to Heal With "Mama Se" (premiere + interview)

Rupert Stroud Gets Personal with 'Along the Low' (album stream) (premiere)

Lexi Todd's "Madonna" Is Her Feminist Autobiography (premiere)

Janet LaBelle's "I Only See You" Is Spare, Haunting Ballad (premiere)

18th & Addison Bemoan "Leeches" in New Video (premiere)