Richard Clements is one of the many musicians who are involved with the organization Jazz Generation. The pianist gives his time and talent through the Keyed Up! program which is designed to keep musicians employed by arranging gigs in the NYC/New Jersey Metropolitan area. [Part 2 of the Jazz Generation interview] How did you first... Continue Reading →
Let’s get back to jazz, to live performances, to enthralled audiences. Safely. Anticipating a return of jazz festivals in 2021, this marks the fourth year of the LetterOne RISING STAR Jazz Awards. The deadline is looming and excitement is mounting. The opportunities that await the winners in Europe and North America include an amazing, whirlwind... Continue Reading →
Enamored of the tenor sax and clarinet (which he’s named, see below), Nate Giroux (half of The Giroux Brothers) is working on a new album to follow 2018’s “What We Learn from the Trees.” It’s a waiting game, not knowing when things are going to open back up for performers and audiences alike. He’s got... Continue Reading →
Whether you call it progressive, free or experimental, jazz devoid of structure has an open-ended purpose of providing the listener with a highly individual experience which is what the new CD by the trio Vintage Astronaut (Michael Kinchen/keys, John Daniel Ray/bass and Jonathan Greene/drums) is all about. Titled “Now It’s the Future”, it’s proof positive... Continue Reading →
Encouragement, love and a good marketing strategy only go so far when a community is in crisis. In the jazz world (as for all creatives), we are seeing the results of numerous ripple effects of COVID-19 whose nasty twists and turns have come to impact society in unforeseen ways. The pain felt by artists who... Continue Reading →
You’re on stage. The music is about to begin, and, suddenly, your heart catches in your throat. Your fingers freeze and you feel paralyzed. How on earth are you supposed to play when you're having trouble simply breathing regularly? I remember when I was in my high school jazz ensemble. I was playing Jobim’s “The... Continue Reading →
A deftly layered and tactile experience, the new CD by guitarist Ray Sandoval called “What is Now” embeds poetry and dreams into the listener. The track “Migration Suite” plays with the sounds of the ocean and animal utterances (but very skillfully and attractively), offering sounds both natural and unnatural à la bass clarinet which affixes... Continue Reading →
As a package deal, a book and a jazz CD is an unusual combo and Chip Shelton takes it next-level. The orthodontist-by-day and all-around musician/composer has found the path to fulfilling not one but two dreams. His journey and the steps that got him there are the material that has become the book “Excel in... Continue Reading →
A blockbuster tune that’s resonated with generations of soul and R&B fans has a new life with its original creator, vocalist and composer Clifton Davis. “Never Can Say Goodbye” is Davis’ jazz debut in a sizzling new collab with pianist Beegie Adair backed up by vocal group Take 6 and singer Monica Ramey. Singing the... Continue Reading →
Debbie Burke - jazz author 
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