Saxophonists
Two New Jazz Albums Recall The Wide Open Spaces of The West.
Oregon saxophonist Rich Halley takes inspiration from the Wallowa mountain range on his new album Crossing the Passes. On Boss of the Plains, Chicago-based trio Wheelhouse makes music that evokes the Great Plains and wind chimes on a porch when the weather changes.
Sax In The City: A Rare Recording Of Lucky Thompson
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Lucky Thompson: New York City, 1964-65 featuring rare live recordings of saxophonist Lucky Thompson.
Lesser-Known Sax Players Get Their Due
Blue Note has recently reissued recordings that feature three so-called "second-tier" saxophonists: The Complete Blue Note 45 Sessions by Ike Quebec; Tex Book Tenor by Booker Ervin; Let Me Tell You 'Bout It by Leo Parker.
Albert Ayler: 'Holy Ghost'
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new box set Albert Ayler: Holy Ghost, celebrating the saxophonist and composer. Through renewed interest — and a string of reissues — Ayler has grown increasingly influential and appreciated in recent years.
New Compilation from Saxophonist Tab Smith
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Crazy Walk, a compilation of recordings by saxophonist Tab Smith.
Erasing Charlie Parker's Contradictions
Clint Eastwood's biopic Bird delves deep into the personal life and legend of Charlie Parker. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the story fails to connect these often tumultuous moments with the genius of Parker's music.
Henry Threadgill Knows the Number
Jazz critic Francis Davis believes the saxophonist's new album demonstrates both compositional and improvisatory prowess.
Henry Threadgill Knows the Number
Jazz critic Francis Davis believes the saxophonist's new album demonstrates both compositional and improvisatory prowess.