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Andrew Zender

It's been said that jazz was born in New Orleans and it grew up in Kansas City. That's where I grew up too, learning to love the sounds of the city's storied past. Now I'm on a mission to unearth what I haven't heard.

Recent

Music

Terry Waldo and The Gutbucket Syncopators: The Ohio Theatre Concert

Nineteen tracks of pure, unhinged good-time music with an infectious energy that recall the earliest days of jazz.

Music

Tinsley Ellis: Speak No Evil

Ellis continues to pound away at the blues with the force of a battering ram, but crisp, polished production cleans off the muck, grime, and grub that should have been left on this disc.

Music

Poncho Sanchez: Psychedelic Blues

A 10-track collection of groovy, danceable trademark Sanchez, Psychedelic Blues is enjoyable but inessential.

Music

Fred Anderson: 21st Century Chase: 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge

Recorded live at his home club on Chicago's south side, Anderson is joined at his birthday gig by a top-notch group for three long-form pieces that skronk, squeal, soothe, and swing.

Music

Various Artists: Things About Comin' My Way: A Tribute to the Music of the Mississippi Sheiks

While a few tracks on Things About Comin' My Way breeze by more than they burn, there's some outstanding playing and a few gems scattered throughout its expansive 17-track presentation.

Music

Norah Jones: The Fall

Is Jones really concerned about the skewering she may receive for straying so far from what made her a star? Most likely not.

Music

Vince Guaraldi: The Definitive Vince Guaraldi

An individual at Coca-Cola's ad agency proposes the idea of a Charlie Brown Christmas Special, with music by Vince Guaraldi. And a new American institution was born...

Music

Various Artists: Light on the South Side

Sounds like golden outtakes from lost sessions where James Brown's backing band got together with Booker T and the MGs at the Stax studios with an insanely talented batch of unknown singers.

Music

Various Artists: The Rough Guide to Blues and Beyond

Its title indicates perhaps an easily digestible and accessible entry point to the raw, expressive power of the blues; however, the music here is filtered through many genres with mixed results.

Music

The Wailin' Jennys: Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House

A variety of delectable roots music offerings, including blues, country, spirituals, and folk – even with a little bit of jazz and bluegrass thrown in the mix.

Andrew Zender

Music

Lester Young: Centennial Celebration

Centennial Celebration highlights the stylistic range which Young mastered effortlessly.

Andrew Zender

Music

Samba Touré: Songhai Blues: Homage to Ali Farka Touré

Having not gained his true recognition until after his passing, Ali Farka Touré's outstanding musical legacy is further cemented through Samba Touré's tribute.

Andrew Zender

Music

The Fay Victor Ensemble: The FreeSong Suite

This record peers into the NYC-based vocalist's challenging and rewarding world of captivating vocal work and stirring spontaneity.

Andrew Zender

Music

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: One Day in Brooklyn

This EP further cements the group's status as one of the most forward-thinking units in jazz.

Andrew Zender

Music

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan: In Session

In Session captures an incredibly important musical moment as two of the most revered blues guitarists lock horns in a friendly battle.

Andrew Zender

Books

Dancehall by Stuart Baker & Beth Lesser

This photojournalistic work showcases a country full of parties and poverty, music and militants, passion and politics, bosses and bling.

Andrew Zender

Books

I Want to Take You Higher by Jeff Kaliss

Although the Viscaynes had disbanded by the time their music hit the airwaves, Stone had solidified his decision to continue pursuing a career in the music industry.

Andrew Zender

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Nineteen tracks of pure, unhinged good-time music with an infectious energy that recall the earliest days of jazz.

Ellis continues to pound away at the blues with the force of a battering ram, but crisp, polished production cleans off the muck, grime, and grub that should have been left on this disc.

A 10-track collection of groovy, danceable trademark Sanchez, Psychedelic Blues is enjoyable but inessential.

Recorded live at his home club on Chicago's south side, Anderson is joined at his birthday gig by a top-notch group for three long-form pieces that skronk, squeal, soothe, and swing.

While a few tracks on Things About Comin' My Way breeze by more than they burn, there's some outstanding playing and a few gems scattered throughout its expansive 17-track presentation.

Is Jones really concerned about the skewering she may receive for straying so far from what made her a star? Most likely not.

An individual at Coca-Cola's ad agency proposes the idea of a Charlie Brown Christmas Special, with music by Vince Guaraldi. And a new American institution was born...

Sounds like golden outtakes from lost sessions where James Brown's backing band got together with Booker T and the MGs at the Stax studios with an insanely talented batch of unknown singers.

Its title indicates perhaps an easily digestible and accessible entry point to the raw, expressive power of the blues; however, the music here is filtered through many genres with mixed results.

A variety of delectable roots music offerings, including blues, country, spirituals, and folk – even with a little bit of jazz and bluegrass thrown in the mix.

Centennial Celebration highlights the stylistic range which Young mastered effortlessly.

Having not gained his true recognition until after his passing, Ali Farka Touré's outstanding musical legacy is further cemented through Samba Touré's tribute.

This record peers into the NYC-based vocalist's challenging and rewarding world of captivating vocal work and stirring spontaneity.

This EP further cements the group's status as one of the most forward-thinking units in jazz.

In Session captures an incredibly important musical moment as two of the most revered blues guitarists lock horns in a friendly battle.

This photojournalistic work showcases a country full of parties and poverty, music and militants, passion and politics, bosses and bling.

Gioia’s journey through the history of the Delta blues is a gripping reading experience as he digs through the vast archives of tall tales and telling truths of the muddy music made in Mississippi.

Although the Viscaynes had disbanded by the time their music hit the airwaves, Stone had solidified his decision to continue pursuing a career in the music industry.