Kevin Whitehead
Belated New Music From Drummer Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers Is A Gem
Blakey led his band for almost 40 years, making many classic records with top musicians. Just Coolin', a newly unearthed 1959 recorded studio session, showcases his stylistic precision.
Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire Mixes The Playful And Solemn On A New Album
The Bay Area trumpet player broke out in jazz over a decade ago. A new album by his quartet, on the tender spot of every calloused moment, shows just how pretty Akinmusire can play.
Drummer Chad Taylor Radiates Good Vibrations On 'The Daily Biological'
Taylor brings hi-hat funk to his new trio's album. It's a slightly odd line-up, with no bass instrument — which opens up possibilities for different ways to kick the rhythm along.
In Defense Of Jazz Biopics: Melodramas And Morality Tales, Set To Music
Many jazz fans hate biopic films, but critic Kevin Whitehead likes noticing which true elements get in — or get left out — as messy lives are squeezed into stock-story formulas.