Pirate Rickie Lee Jones Plunders Great American Songbook for ‘Pieces of Treasure’
Rickie Lee Jones is a pirate who plunders the treasures of the Great American Songbook for all of its riches. The music is as timeless as she is.
vocal jazz
Jazz Singer Catherine Russell Bridges the Century with Soul
Singer Catherine Russell is one of the best voices in the world, whether she is backing up international acts like Steely Dan or touring with her small band.
‘Think Twice’ Is Savoir Faire’s Irresistible, Jazz-Infused Take on the Big Issues
Savoir Faire’s three-song EP Think Twice goes a long way in demonstrating her penchant for combining topical lyrics with deeply felt, retro-themed jazz and pop.
Ella Fitzgerald Live at the Hollywood Bowl in 1958 Rediscovered
Ella Fitzgerald mixed styles in a unique way while sticking to the work of one songwriter at a time. This recording shows how she could masterfully do this with a live orchestra.
Frank Sinatra on Top of the Heap: Revisiting ‘Sinatra at the Sands’
Sinatra at The Sands is my favorite Frank Sinatra performance – cocky, charming but not oily, warm but not soppy. Each listen lays bare the sheer “cuckoo calculation” of it all.
Norah Jones Plays It Cool, Classic, and Timeless with ‘I Dream of Christmas’
Norah Jones’ I Dream of Christmas feels like a soothing salve on what seems like another troubled holiday season. It’s a wonderful soundtrack for the festivities.
Abbey Lincoln’s Classic ‘Abbey Is Blue’ Gets a Richly Deserved Vinyl Reissue
Celebrated jazz singer Abbey Lincoln’s landmark 1959 album marked a distinctive turning point in her career. It’s a welcome addition to jazz fans’ collection.
Cabaret Jazz Artist Annabelle Chvostek Dons a ‘String of Pearls’
Like a real String of Pearls, the effect of cabaret jazz singer Annabelle Chvostek’s album is more impressive than each gem.
‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ Makes Tragedy Tawdry
Lee Daniels’ melodramatic mess, ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’, squanders every chance to turn Holiday from a victim into a person.
Pink Martini’s China Forbes Discusses New Songs Created in the Pandemic
Despite a global pandemic and a year of difficult unrest, Pink Martini's China Forbes soldiers on with her band's sharp eye for optimism and a newfound life mission.
Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few Play It Cool
Austin's Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few perform sophisticatedly unsophisticated jazz/Americana that's perfect for these times
Kurt Elling and Danilo Pérez Prove ‘Secrets Are the Best Stories’
Kurt Elling's collaboration with pianist Danilo Pérez features impressionistic and daring playing and poetic lyrics, making it one of the highlights of a brilliant jazz vocal career.