Kevin Whitehead

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two new albums by composer, saxophonist and clarinetist Anthony Braxton. Although Braxton's music has been much criticized, Kevin calls him one of his heroes. Braxton's new albums are "19 Solo Compositions 1988" and "Seven Compositions (Trio) 1989."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews reissued 1957 recordings by acoustic guitarist Eddie Condon. Condon was a fine musician, and also promoted the music from the 20s to his death in the early 70s. Condon organized early recording sessions that brought black and white musicians together, promoted concerts at New York's Town Hall, and ran a famous club.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the album, "Blue John," by organist Big John Patton. Paton cut a series of progressive jazz organ albums for Blue Note records in the 60s, then dropped out of sight for a decade, recently re-emerging on some of John Zorn's albums. Patton actually recorded "Blue John" in 1963, but it's just been released on CD and it's the only example of Patton's Blue Note work that's currently available.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us about a milestone in jazz history -- the 50th anniversary of tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins' recording of "Body and Soul." He says Hawkins was the best tenor saxophonist ever...and "Body and Soul" was his greatest masterpiece.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Straight, No Chaser", the new documentary on jazz pianist, Thelonious Monk.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Covert Action," the new album by french horn player Tom Varner.

Kevin Whitehead reviews composer and saxophonist John Zorn's new album "Spy vs Spy."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by electric guitarist John Scofield. Scofield has recorded with a wide variety of musicians, including Kansas City pianist Jay McShann,, trumpeters Chet Baker and Miles Davis, and Charlie Mingus, but Scofield is also comfortable playing rock.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the first album by the trio New Winds, whose members have experiences in both jazz and classical music. Clarinetist J.D. Parran has played with an improviser's collective called The Black Artists Group, saxophonist Ned Rothenberg plays with a band that does covers of 60s songs, and flutist Robert Dick has played primarily with classical ensembles.

Jazz Critic KEVIN WHITEHEAD reviews the latest album by jazz drummer and big band leader Louie Bellson. Bellson, the husband of Pearl Bailey, has been drumming since three. When he was 17, he won a nationwide competition sponsored by Gene Kruppa that launched his career. He's played for Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James and Duke Ellington.