Kevin Whitehead
Todd Marcus Tames The Raucous Bass Clarinet On 'Trio Plus'
Marcus gets a clean, unfettered sound from both his band and his instrument on his new album. Trio Plus is crisp, tight and varied — with more good melodies than we can dip into.
Erroll Garner's 'Night At The Movies' Reissue Radiates Joy
The late jazz pianist spins out new and old melodies and cracks little musical jokes on a new series of reissues representing albums he recorded for various labels between '59 and '73.
Reissue Captures Nat King Cole Before He Broke Through To Mainstream
Early in his career, Cole formed a trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bassist Wesley Prince. Hittin' the Ramp, a new 7-CD roundup, showcases the band that help catapult Cole to stardom.
Indian Percussion Infuses 'Good Hope' With Complex, Crossfire Beats
Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain joins with saxophonist Dave Holland and bassist Chris Potter on a new album that that's clear and confident, with plenty of fire.
'Fresh Air' Marks The Centenary Of The Birth Of Jazz Singer Anita O'Day
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead offers an appreciation of the singer, who died in 2006, then we listen back to a 1987 interview. O'Day first became known in 1941 when she joined Gene Krupa's band.
Taylor Ho Bynum's 'Ambiguity Manifesto' Is A Playground For Jazz Improvisers
Bynum's album features nine musicians, including guitarist Mary Halvorson, a newly minted MacArthur fellow. Each improviser sings the tune — or sings around it — in their own way, in their own time.
Singer/Composer Jazzmeia Horn Is A Double Threat On 'Love & Liberation'
Horn pulls together her sundry influences — including jazz, pop, gospel and vintage Broadway — on her second album. The resulting tunes are so good, other singers are sure to try them on.
Clarinetist Ben Goldberg Unites Jazz And Poetry On 'Good Day For Cloud Fishing'
Goldberg's mini box set includes a new poem by Dean Young — as well as a dozen pieces inspired by Young's poetry. The playfulness on both sides of the equation makes this mixed-media project work.
Pianist Fred Hersch Scales Up The Intimacy On 'Begin Again'
Hersch often works in small settings, either as a piano soloist, or in a duo or trio. But he amplifies his message on his latest album by teaming up with Germany's WDR Big Band.
'The Balance': Abdullah Ibrahim Is Deeply Rooted Yet Sounds Like No One Else
The latest album from the 84-year-old South African composer and pianist showcases his work as a master composer of melodic mood pieces.