September 16 Coincidentally enough, two of the greatest practitioners of jazz on the classical guitar were born on this date. In addition to this similarity both Byrd and Klugh were noted for styles that used latin rhythms extensively. Happy Birthday, … Continue reading
The world lost a genius musician when Michael Brecker passed on. He has been sorely missed. While performing at the Mount Fuji Jazz Festival in 2004, Brecker experienced a sharp pain in his back. Shortly thereafter in 2005, he was … Continue reading
John McLaughlin (born 4 January 1942 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England), also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is among the most advancing musicians on the planet today. John has been cited as an influence by a number of prominent musicians. In 2010, guitarist Jeff … Continue reading
Mike Stern is a down-to-earth, happy-go-lucky inspiration to us all, musicians and otherwise. Born on January 10th 1953, Stern has long been a shining example of one of the hardest working musicians of his generation. After attending Berklee College of … Continue reading
We’re all happy for this 73rd birthday of saxophonist/vocalist/bandleader/sideman, Maceo Parker. Parker was born on February 14, 1943 in Kinston, North Carolina. His father played piano and drums; his mother and father both sang in church. His brother Melvin played … Continue reading
Arthur Lanon “Art” Neville (born December 17, 1937) is an American singer, songwriter and keyboardist from New Orleans. Neville is a part of one of the notable musical families of New Orleans, the Neville Brothers. He is a founding member … Continue reading
His reign as King of the Blues has been as long as that of any monarch on earth. For more than half a century, Riley B. King – better known as B.B. King – has defined the blues for a … Continue reading
Eric Dolphy: June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964 Eric Dolphy was a true original with his own distinctive styles on alto, flute, and bass clarinet. His music fell into the “avant-garde” category yet he did not discard chordal improvisation … Continue reading
Michael Brecker: March 29, 1949 – January 13, 2007 Michael Brecker Day: Saxophonist and composer Michael Brecker was born on March 29, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA. Michael was the brother of trumpeter Randy Brecker. For most of the ‘70s, the two led the highly regarded … Continue reading
Cecil Taylor: Free Improvisation #3 Pianist and poet Cecil Percival Taylor was born March 25, 1929 in New York City. Cecil Taylor started learning piano when he was 6, and continued his studies at the New York College of Music and the New … Continue reading