A quick glance through Scofield’s discography reveals he has been one of the most active musicians in jazz over the last thirty years, and with good reason, and the range and scope of his talents. From 1982–1985, John Scofield toured … Continue reading
Roots is R&B singer-songwriter Curtis Mayfield’s second studio album, released in October 1971. Having received critical praise from a variety of publications, the album is regarded as not just one of Mayfield’s best works but also as a classic release … Continue reading
Ramsey Lewis plays his beautiful rendition of perhaps Herbie Hancock’s greatest composition, Maiden Voyage. With Cleveland Eaton on bass, Maurice White (vocalist from Earth Wind and Fire) on drums, and Minnie Ripperton on backing vocals. “Maiden Voyage” is a jazz composition … Continue reading
In this clip from the 1968 Copenhagen Jazz Festival Muddy Waters’ pianist Otis Spann seizes an opportunity, fronting the band for two full songs. An integral member of the nonpareil Muddy Waters band of the 1950s and ’60s, pianist Otis Spann took his sweet time in … Continue reading
Written in 1959, Naima is one of John Coltrane’s most recorded compositions. This version was recorded from a live broadcast in Europe in 1965. Beautiful performance, beautifully filmed. Like a prayer. Born September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina, John Coltrane was … Continue reading
John Coltrane’s “classic quartet,” which features John Coltrane – tenor saxophone, McCoy Tyner – piano, Jimmy Garrison – bass, Elvin Jones – drums, perform Afro Blue, Alabama, and Impressions on a 1963 episode of Jazz Casual. Coltrane’s arrangement of “Afro … Continue reading
Saxophonist and composer John William Coltrane was born on September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina. Coltrane grew up in a musical family first introduced to music by his father who was a clarinetist. In 1938 his father, aunt, and grandparents all … Continue reading
Ray Charles leads a big band in this instrumental 1963 Brazilian television performance in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one day before his 33rd birthday. The all-star band includes the likes of Keg Johnson, Tina Brooks, and David “Fathead” Newman. …and Ray is playing alto … Continue reading
In The Evening – Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany, Georgia. Charles reinvented R&B while signed to Atlantic Records in the 1950s. His soulful singing, jazzy piano style, and influence from gospel pioneered what became known as soul music. Unbeknownst … Continue reading
Guitarist Emily Remler performs the Sonny Rollins standard “Tenor Madness” in 1989. Her most recent album at the time was 1988’s East to Wes, whose title is a nod to Remler’s chief influence Wes Montgomery. Jazz guitarist Herb Ellis claimed that she was “the new … Continue reading