Kevin Whitehead

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Bayou Magic," a new album by clarinetist Alvin Batiste. Since the 50s, Batiste has been a key figure in the modern jazz movement in New Orleans. Under the auspices of the State Department, he has toured the world extensively, and is also a teacher at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where his students have included Branford Marsalis and Donald Harrison.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead profiles the young alto saxophonist Christopher Hollyday. While still in his teens, Hollyday toured with bandleader Maynard Ferguson and headlined at New York's Village Vanguard. Hollyday plays in the style of Charlie Parker, the great bop alto saxophonist.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue of Ella Fitzgerald's 1961 album, "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie." Kevin calls the album an amiable mix of jazz and pop standards, novelty numbers and maudlin torch songs.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new reissue of the late tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler. A key part of the free jazz movement of the 1960s, Ayler's sound has been likened to speaking in tongues.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Goin' Home," the second album by tuba player and composer Bob Stewart. Stewart, who stresses that the tuba is a world instrument, heard everywhere from New Orleans to Surinam, mixes genres in this album, jumping from "Sweet Georgia Brown" to Thelonius Monk's "Bemsha Swing."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead continues his review of "Private Collection," the ten-volume set of Duke Ellington compositions. In this review, Kevin focuses on one of Ellington's major suites - and a highlight of the collection - "Black, Brown and Beige."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews volumes 6 through 10 of Duke Ellington's "Private Collection," a series featuring previously unreleased Ellington compositions. Kevin says when the first five volumes were released it was a revelation. This new collection isn't quite as brilliant, but it's still a must have for any serious Ellington fan.

The vocal and bass duo's 1982 album, Old Time Feeling, has just been reissued. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Harvie's orchestral playing never loses sight of the bass player's foundational role, and Jordan's risk-taking singing steers her far away from lounge territory.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says trumpeter Don Cherry is a curious figure in the scene: lyrical but sloppy, he's played with diverse musicians ranging from Ornette Coleman to Lou Reed. On his new album, Art Deco, Cherry reigns in some of his more exploratory impulses to produce a straight-ahead but modern sound -- and it pays off.

The wind and reed player has been self-releasing well-reviewed albums for years, even though they haven't earned him the attention he deserves. Kevin Whitehead says Golia's music is unconventional and sometimes raw. He recommends three recent releases featuring Golia's playing.