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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 70 Best Albums of 2018

Jackie Chan's 10 Best Films

The 25 Best Electronic Albums of 2018

The 20 Best Folk Albums of 2018

Short Stories: The 12 Best Collections of 2018

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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 70 Best Albums of 2018

I Like the Idea of Being Unreasonable: A Conversation with the Sleaford Mods' Jason Williamson

TIFF 2018: 'Greta'

#PopMatters20: Stephen King, 'On Writing' 20 Years Later

The Way Down Wanderers Examine Love, Friendship and More on 'illusions' (album stream + interview)

The 25 Best Electronic Albums of 2018

The 20 Best Folk Albums of 2018

Short Stories: The 12 Best Collections of 2018

KING Rules Supreme on New Single "Shit Show" (premiere)

Nova Scotia's Joyfultalk Share a Stunning New Video for Their Trancey Track "Peace Fight" (premiere)

The Heavy Bring the Rockin' Soul on "Heavy for You" (premiere)

The Way Down Wanderers Examine Love, Friendship and More on 'illusions' (album stream + interview)

I Am Casting Explores Charmers, Pied Pipers, and Other Liars With 'Carnival Barkers' (album stream + interview)

In "Alright, Ok", Gabe Lee Offers a Message of Forgiveness (premiere)

Brad Byrd Celebrates Life's Fleeting Highs in "That Great Feeling" (premiere)

Mister and Curt Cataract Release Conceptual Rap Album 11 Years in the Making (premiere)

Oakland Punk Trio Ötzi Toys With Superstitions Via "Charms" (premiere)