One of a handful of musicians who can be said to have permanently changed jazz, Charlie Parker was arguably the greatest saxophonist of all time. He could play remarkably fast lines that, if slowed down to half speed, would reveal … Continue reading
In 1960, following the demise of a few short-lived Houston-based groups called The Swingsters and the Nite Hawks, Joe Sample (piano), Stix Hooper (drums), Wilton Felder (saxophone), and Wayne Henderson (trombone), relocated to Los Angeles, CA. After changing their name … Continue reading
Raymond Matthews “Ray” Brown (October 13, 1926 – July 2, 2002) was an influential American jazz double bassist and cellist, known for extensive work with Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald, among many others. Ray Brown was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and … Continue reading
Prince has left an indelible hole in our hearts. Yet, from his passing have come some pretty intriguing stories. One in particular features the Kid performing alongside the jazz legend, Miles Davis. The unveiling of Prince x Miles working together … Continue reading
The Meters defined the basic characteristics of the almighty groove. While Funkadelic, Cameo, James Brown and Sly Stone are synonymous with funk, these artists look to The Meters for the basic-down to earthy and raw sound. The history of founding members … 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
Miles Davis’ award winning collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Marcus Miller culminated with Grammy-winning album, Tutu. In 1985, Miles Davis’ thirty year association with Columbia Records came to an end and the jazz legend, who managed to reinvent jazz a dozen times … Continue reading
The Miles Davis Quintet of 1965 to 1968, playing “Agitation” below, is arguably the greatest modern jazz group ever assembled. Saxophonist Wayne Shorter at his composing and playing peak, Herbie Hancock never played better on acoustic piano than with Miles, … Continue reading
From their first work together on the Birth of the Cool sessions in 1949, Miles Davis and Gil Evans forged a unique relationship as great soloist and brilliant arranger. The real opportunity to explore their shared vision didn’t come until … Continue reading
The world according to John Coltrane is a place we all wish to live. He lived, influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant saxophonists in music history. The world according to John Coltrane. Coltrane’s spiritual journey was … Continue reading