Jazz

Drummer Elvin Jones recently celebrated his 70th birthday. His most influential work was with John Coltrane from 1960 to '66. Their Village Vanguard sessions were recently re-released in a CD box set.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews some CD re-issues by Blue Note Records. He recommends “Complete Quartets of Grant Green with Sonny Clark,” “The Complete Roost Recordings,” and “The Complete Herbie Nichols”.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus, Passions of a Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings 1956-1961" (Rhino)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews John Coltrane's CD box set of his recordings in 1961 at the Village Vanguard.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the CD “A Prescription for the Blues” (Impulse) by jazz pianist Horace Silver.

An in-studio concert and interview with jazz pianist Jessica Williams, recorded at WHYY. The concert was previewed on last Wednesday's show. It will feature Williams' original songs as well as some interpretations of standards, some from Williams' 1997 release: "Higher Standards" (Candid). Williams has been recording albums, both solo and with ensembles, since 1978. Her music is often featured on Fresh Air between interview segments.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue "I Remember Newport" (Delmark Records, Chicago) featuring accordionist Leon Sash and his trio.

Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. He's on a North American tour with his trio through the beginning of December. Lacy is considered "the foremost interpreter of Thelonius Monk" and in fact trained and performed with Monk when he was in his mid-20's. Lacy is also known as the "father of the modern soprano saxophone." He is known for his unmistakable sound, as well as being one of the most prolific sax players performing today.

Preview of our in-studio interview and concert with jazz pianist Jessica Williams. It will air next week.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Miles Davis works from the 70's which have been reissued on Columbia Records.