Aretha Franklin Before She Was the Queen of Soul
The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.
The Columbia recordings of Aretha Franklin between 1960 and 1965 are not her best, but they show us an artist learning her craft and gathering the tools that would change American music.
A consummate singer, Fay Victor, demonstrates that it is her right and ability to improvise freely, and in so doing she creates a potent connection with her band and her listeners.
One of the best singers of the moment just happens to be singing jazz, or today's hybrid version of jazz. That is Kurt Elling.
With lush arrangements courtesy of Vince Mendoza, Gregory Porter shines on a tribute to one of his major influences Nat "King" Cole.
Bob Dylan, who has passed within a hair’s breadth of the fatal destinies of his contemporaries, is now, at 60, closer to meeting Old Father Time.