Pivoting off the folk music of her native Albania to get to jazz was not difficult for Vjollca Robelli Mripa, especially when she found she had a dire message to convey: the unbelievable story of women in a small town who still follow traditions that seem tragically outdated and sexist to the rest of us.... Continue Reading →
Their music paints a mood that is space-like and meandering yet accessible; you can follow the flow but you can’t quite predict what embellishments either musician will utilize. The song is “The Delicate Balance of Terror” and the two-man Run Logan Run is so perfectly in sync that it’s like listening to twins born into... Continue Reading →
Throughout the U.S have sprouted jazz education initiatives, often connected with schools, camps or other arts foundations. Most have been started by music devotees/educators who want to give students an extra hand up in realizing their potential in the field of music. Joseph “Patrick” McMullen is founder, President and CEO of HAPCO, one such endeavor... Continue Reading →
Finding the pocket every single time, the smooth and hip sound of the Chris Greene Quartet offers new beats and a reason to move to them. “Firecracker” is sweetly syncopative with incredibly airtight, intuitive harmonies and a melody from Chris’ sax that goes off in unexpected ways; but the bass, keys and drums stick with... Continue Reading →
He was an exec producer for Grover Washington, Jr., arranged a tribute album of Marvin Gaye, and worked closely with another Miles (the “Kind of Blue” one). Jason Miles’ reach is far and deep, with a daringly diverse catalog that would be impossible for most to achieve. A leader, sideman and project impresario, his attitude... Continue Reading →
Full of motion and skilled finger work, Harry Edwards’ jaunty gypsy jazz is irresistibly fun. The Hobart (Tasmania, Australia)-based guitarist has a swinging trio-turned-quartet (earlier trio is pictured) that continues to thrill with original tunes. Even slower tunes like “From Marjorie” add the sweet strum between measures while providing unusual chord changes to keep it... Continue Reading →
Supported by the brilliant input from her band members, Sarah Partridge is part storyteller, part heartstring-plucker and part poetess. With a background in theater, she targets the emotions with pinpoint aim. Her voice is true and gimmick-free. She swings with ease and it’s obvious that although it’s her living, this is also what she does... Continue Reading →
Bing Crosby Fan Base Gets Its Own Radio Show with Jack Boyle, Radio Host His movies show a humorous side, but Bing Crosby is most known as the crooner extraordinaire to compare all others with. Contemporary pop stars and musicians in genres like jazz and big band play homage to him; Baby Boomers love him,... Continue Reading →
Unusual for its use in jazz, the harp is not without its headaches for upkeep: pedals, strings, transporting the instrument. Yet with humor and joy, Stina Hellberg Agback has made its music her life’s work, and is proficient in many genres. She plays with a sway, embracing the instrument as if it were her child.... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
You must be logged in to post a comment.