Jazz

Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus: The Complete Debut Recordings," featuring music from 1951 through 1957. Both legendary and unknown jazz musicians make appearances on these little-heard recordings.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the re-release of the exceptional Carla Bley and Paul Haines concept album. It features an eclectic mix of singers and musicians, including Linda Ronstadt, Jack Bruce, Don Cherry, and John McGlaughlin.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Rif, the new album by Dutch bassist Maarten Altena and his octet. Altena, who was a practitioner of free jazz, is also influenced by 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Morton Feldman.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews The World Is Falling Down, by one of his favorite contemporary jazz singers, Abbey Lincoln.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Furthermore, the new album from tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore. Whitehead says it's one of the year's best mainstream records. Unlike many jazz musicians who find fame in their early twenties, Moore didn't release is first album until he was 33.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the last two releases by jazz drummer Art Blakey, who died last week. Blakey is credited with discovering and nurturing young talent, but Whitehead says not to overlook the drummer's own skill and dedication -- both of which are never absent from any of his albums.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the jazz musician's new albums. Weston spent a spent a decade in Tangiers; Whitehead says you can hear the percussive influence of West African music in his performances.

Kevin Whitehead doesn't like to admit liking new anthologies by Lester Lanin, whom he calls the king of blandness, and "crass and lowbrow" singer Jerry Lewis.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Brown is one of the best musicians who played with Art Blakey in the 1980s. Both the composition and improvising on his new album are excellent.

Kevin Whitehead reviews the pianist's new trio album. Pullen uses his unconventional technique in traditional jazz setting, which may appeal to listeners turned off by the avant-garde. But he can still play in a more conventional, classical style.