Jazz

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews six new box sets for the holiday season.

The Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Wynton Marsalis. He's been playing the trumpet since he was six, and won his first Grammy at 20. Marsalis is also the cofounder and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. He recently announced that he is breaking up the Septet so he can spend more time with the Lincoln Center. "Sweet Swing Blues on the Road" is his new book, written in collaboration with photographer Frank Stewart.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Who's Bridge," by the Misha Mengelberg Trio. He says, amid the strong Thelonious Monk influences, it's got real heart.

We talk with jazz critic Kevin Whitehead about singer Carmen McRae, who died last night at age 74. McRae has been called one of the three greatest female jazz singers, along with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the musician's debut album, "Closest to the Sun."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a reissue of "True Blue," by saxophonist Tina Brooks.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a reissue of "The Voice That Is!," by baritone singer Johnny Hartman.

Feather, one of the world's most prominent jazz critics died of pneumonia, yesterday at the age of 80. He grew up in England and moved to America in 1940. His most important writing was his encylopedia of jazz, an essential reference work of musician bios. Feather spent his final months editing a new edition, which is scheduled for publication next year. Feather also produced about 200 recording sessions, composed for many of the musicians he worked with, and even played piano on some of their sessions.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new recording of Charles Mingus's infamous New York Town Hall concert from October 12, 1962. It's the first time a complete recording has been available.

Jazz critic Kevin Whithead reviews the new re-issue by the little-known jazz organist Baby Face Willette, called "Stop and Listen."