[It’s unlikely that you’ll ever find this stunning book, unfortunately, I’ve tried, I was lent a copy by a friend. It’s an incredible document of the most beautiful photographs of African-American musicians hanging out in Paris in the 1950s. Absolutely stunning! The photographer, Eddy Wiggins almost completely unknown. B]
Pianist Sibu Mashiloane’s new album enacts the collective dance of South African jazz. It is his sixth album in six years, and a work of many trusted hands.
9 January 2022: A portrait of pianist Sibu Mashiloane. His new album, Music From My People, is his sixth in six years. (Photograph by Hugh Mdlalose)Setting goals is one thing; meeting them sometimes another. But pianist Sibusiso “Mash” Mashiloane vowed in 2017 he would release an album a year until 2023 – and number six, Music From My People, has just landed. Conceived on a much grander scale than its predecessors, it involves 17 other musicians and brings together his music praxis and the theoretical insights his academic research into the identity of South African jazz is mining.
10 June 2014 — Jazz on the Tube
In my top ten list of jazz greats, Ahmad Jamal’s Poinciana was one the first albums I ever bought. Recorded in Marciac, France. Written by Nat Simon in 1936, “Poinciana” has since become a jazz standard. The Cuban folk melody “La canción del árbol”, “The Song of the Tree” – provided the inspiration for Simon’s composition.
Personnel: Ahmad Jamal, piano; James Cammack, bass; Idris Muhammad, drums
19 June 2021 — Jazz on the Tube
Dave Lambert: June 19, 1917 – October 3, 1966
A tribute to the pioneering vocalese lyricist and singer
Dave Lambert was born June 19, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts.
13 May 2021 — Jazz on the Tube
Gil Evans – May 13, 1912 – March 20, 1988
Arranger, composer, leader, and pianist Ian Ernest Gilmore Green (who became known as Gil Evans) was born May 13, 1912 in Toronto Canada.
Gil Evans began his career as a bandleader quite early, leading his own orchestra during 1933-38 which eventually became the backup band for singer Skinnay Ennis (for whom he arranged).
21 Jan 2020 — Youtube
Legendary jazz drummer Stan Levey was not only on the scene for the birth of bebop music, he also played a significant role in its delivery. This documentary is a fascinating inside look at a musician who was both a participant and an observer, whose briskly swinging skills as a drummer were matched by an insightful understanding of the jazz history-making surroundings of his youth. Featured are commentaries from Stan and his contemporaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Hank Jones, Terry Gibbs, Nino Tempo, Bill Henderson and Charlie Watts. This is a non-profit video strictly made for the enjoyment and education of you the viewer. Produced by Arthur Shelby Pritz & Stan Levey. Directed by Arthur Shelby Pritz.
Continue reading
20 December 2020 — Youtube
Released Dec 15, 2020 on his 91st birthday
A short movie capturing the amazing synergy of Barry Harris & people. Filmed during the Barry Harris Workshop Rome, March 2019. Harris is 89 at that moment. Made with the ear of a musician, with the eye of a reporter and most of all: straight from the heart. A film by Heleen Schuttevaêr; video editing Hidde Kroonbergs.
Continue reading
28 August 2020 — Gilad Atzmon
Dear friends and music lovers:
Here is our last night’s Livestream from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club.
The reaction to the performance was astonishing. Many people were watching us live and shared their thoughts. For the musicians this was a very unique experience. We played in an empty club, yet communicated in real time with so many people around the world.
Continue reading
31 August 2020 — Jazz on the Tube
The jazz historian and poet Dave Oliphant reads selections from his epic poem “KD: A Jazz Biography”, his tribute to trumpet great and master musician Kenny Dorham, born August 30, 1924 in Post Oak, Texas.
Continue reading
12 May 2015 — Open Culture
Last week, we posted an interview with the late, great Ray Bradbury that was brilliantly animated by the folks over at Blank on Blank. This week, they unveil a new piece featuring John Coltrane. You can watch it above.
31 December 2019 — Jazz on the Tube
[One of my favourite artists. I actually met him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1975. WB.]
Andrew Hill (1931-2007) was a masterful pianist and a very original composer whose music fell into the avant-garde but was really in its own category.
14 October 2019 — Youtube
An early bird from their 2nd coming album, here is Talinka’s take on the American song book “If I Should Lose You”
Tali Atzmon – vocs Jenny Bliss – violin Gilad Atzmon – tenor sax Yaron Stavi – db Recorded in the Fish Factory Studio Filmed by Geoffrey Oat Edited by Tali Atzmon
Continue reading
19 June 2019 — Jazz on the Tube
29 September 2018 — Jazz on the Tube
The magnificent Eddie Palmieri, now in his 80th year! A replay of his groundbreaking 1971 (I think) composition, ‘Harlem River Drive’, in a live performance in E. Harlem.
Continue reading
2 May 2018 —Jazz on the Tube
In 1962, the Goodyear Tire Company sponsored a series of half-hour shows that showcased swing-oriented performers.
This color excerpt from the Duke Ellington program features baritonist Harry Carney and clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton in the spotlight during the medium-tempo blues “V.I.P. Boogie.”
26 January 2018 — Jazz on the Tube
Hugh Masekela (April 4, 1939 – January 23, 2018)
Hugh Masekela “Grazing In The Grass” live at the Kuumbwa, March 24th, 2014
I had the pleasure, and the honour of hanging out with Bra Hugh on a number of occasions when I lived Johannesburg as well as here in London when he visited here. A modest and honest human being, who was the same offstage as we was on, and who dedicated his life, not only to the wonderful music of South Africa but to the struggle to free its people from the evil of Apartheid.
As they say in SA, Hamba Kahle Bra Hugh, you are forever in our memory Continue reading
4 January 2018 — Jazz on the Tube
One of my all-time favourite pianists, who I once met at a friend’s house in Brooklyn in 1975. Continue reading
20 December 2017 — Youtube
Beautiful! Performed by Konse Big Band led by Prof. Johannes Berauer at Klagenfurt Jazz Club 20.12.1017
13 October 2017 — Youtube
A compilation of Black American music including Fats Waller. Wonderful stuff!
15 September 2017 — Vortex Jazz Club
28 September 2017 – Book Online
Twice Grammy award winning Nigerian percussionist Lekan Babalola is well known for his innovative musical style, using his native Yoruba tongue infused with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones. Awarded his first Grammy in 2006 for performances on the late Ali Farka Toure’s album ‘In the Heart of the Moon’, he was awarded a second at the 49th Grammy awards in 2009 for his work as Associate Producer on the American jazz diva Cassandra Wilson’s album. World press has given him rave reviews for his percussive ‘wizardry’ and infectious grooves.
The New Dark Age 