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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

Featured: Top of Home Page

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 25 Best Classic Progressive Rock Albums

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

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 5: 20 - 1

8 Low-Budget Films That Delivered Big

Jackie Chan's 10 Best Films

The 20 Best Metal Albums of 2019

How the Staple Singers Became the Soul of Protest Music

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '90s - Part 1 (100 - 81)

The 20 Best Americana Albums of 2019

The 100 Greatest Alternative Singles of the '80s: Part 2: 80 - 61

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Mixed Media

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PM Picks

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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.

How the Staple Singers Became the Soul of Protest Music

Featuring Oddisee and Zenyth, Raiza Biza's "Trouble" Highlights Sociopolitical Struggles (premiere)

Honey Magpie Value the Art of Taking One's Time in "Undecided" (premiere)

Folk-pop's the Sweeplings Find Solid Ground "In Between" Connected Projects (premiere + interview)

Rose Cousins' "The Return (Love Comes Back)" Is a Gentle Reminder of Human Spirit (premiere)

Texas Psych-Rockers, the Cuckoos Release Debut LP (album stream)

Imaginary People Mourn the Death of a "Hometown" (premiere)

Lisa Heller Goes on a Journey to Find Herself in "Figure It Out" (premiere)

Star Parks Go for the Immediate with "Something More" (premiere)

Electro's Sotomayor Merge House and Merengue on "Menéate pa' mí" (premiere)