Jazz

Kevin Whitehead reviews albums by Muhal Richard Abrams and Walter Thompson. Both bandleaders came from the 1960s avant-garde scene, and incorporate all styles of jazz into their music, including traditional bop, free improvisation, and electronic sounds.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead looks at another British invasion, this one the current invasion of British jazz musicians. Kevin reviews singer Cleveland Watkiss, saxophonists Evan Parker, Courtney Pine, and Steve Williamson.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus Epitaph" (on the Columbia label) It's a live recording of the Mingus composition conducted by composer Gunther Schuller last year at New York's Lincoln Center.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Manic Traditions," the new album by Les Miserables Brass Band. They're an eclectic group that plays brass music from around the world, as well as original works. (They're on the Northeastern label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Miles Davis "Birth of the Cool" album. That influential album from 1950 has just been reissued on CD by Capitol.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album from pianist Art Hodes, "Pagin' Mr. Jelly."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new CD featuring Carmen McRae. It's "Carmen Sings Monk" on the BMG/RCA label. The recording is a first: no other performer has been permitted to record the lyrics to Monks' songs. McRae got special permission from the Monk family. The CD also features the late saxophonist Carlie Rouse.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jumpworld," the new album from jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. It's on JMT records.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Best of Teo Macero," a reissue of Macero's so-called "third stream" work from the 50s. It's on Stash records.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "That's a Serious Thing," a new reissue featuring trombonist Jack Teagarden. Kevin says the album shows how Teagarden brought a country influence into jazz. The album's on the RCA/Bluebird label and it features Teagarden performances from 1929 to 1957.