Tag Archives: Jazz music

The late South African bassist Johnny “Mbizo” Dyani, who died nearly 40 years ago in 1986, remains influential on the international jazz scene. Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Dyani was a member of The Blue Notes, South Africa’s first … Continue reading →

I had the pleasure of attending a concert by John Scofield’s Combo 73 this month (November 2025), and the quartet opened with a stirring rendition of Scofield’s “Icons At The Fair” from their 2019 Combo 66 album. Probably not coincidentally, … Continue reading →

Chris Byars’ sextet combines the best of two jazz worlds, the sophisticated sonic palette of the big band and the nimble nature of the smaller bop combo that leaves more room for soloists to shine. Leader and composer Byars, who … Continue reading →

I’ve become a fan of Kenny Barron in just the past few years, but he’s quickly become one of my favorite jazz pianists. So how excited am I with the reissue of his leader debut, 1973’s Sunset to Dawn? Very! … Continue reading →

Detroit native Roy Brooks may be one of the most under appreciated drummers in jazz, but if there’s any justice in the world, this album reissue should change that. The Free Slave is the record of an incendiary live set … Continue reading →

I’ve been a fan of Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel since at least 2016, when I absolutely loved his quintet recording Rising Grace. I’ve also been on board with this particular trio of Muthspiel’s, with Americans Scott Colley on bass and … Continue reading →

The first thing you notice when you start up the first movement of Duke Ellington’s “The Queen’s Suite” is that you can’t tell if it’s “classical” or “jazz” or “pop” music. That, of course, is a hallmark of Ellington’s oeuvre, … Continue reading →

Dizzy Gillespie is often referred to as one of the best jazz trumpeters of all time, and is credited along with Charlie Parker with being one of the most influential figures in the development of bebop. He was also known … Continue reading →