Jazz

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.

Cherry played with Ornette Coleman's free jazz ensemble. After striking out on his own, he immersed himself in world music. Those influences have informed Cherry's new album, Multikulti.

Overlooked albums by Chick Corea and Pat Metheny are now on CD. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says both reveal the musicians' more experimental sides.

Rather than shop around their works to established big bands, the New York Composers Orchestra founded their own ensemble. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead is impressed by their self-titled debut.

Fred Ho is a first-generation Chinese immigrant sax player who incorporates Asian melodies into his ensemble work. Carlo Actis Dato's music has a distinct Italian folk flare. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says their recent albums are irresistible.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead thinks there's nothing better than Duke Ellington's masterful compositions, arrangements, and performances. He reviews two new CDs he thinks are particularly excellent.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that some of the soloists Duke Ellington featured in the bandleader's big band left a lasting impression -- even after their departure. Whitehead reviews two new CD anthologies which feature trumpeters Bubber Miley and Louis Armstrong's collaborations with the jazz composer.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Complete Blue Note Recordings of George Lewis," a box set featuring the music of early New Orleans clarinetist George Lewis. Whitehead says you don't need to be familiar with Lewis's historical significance to understand the timeless grace of his playing.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the multi-instrumentalist genre-hopper is distinctive; but his music has been largely overlooked, in part because may considered his eclectic approach middle-brow. Whitehead hopes two new reissues of Kirk's music will bring Kirk some much-deserved attention.

The jazz singer and pianist made a splash with his debut album two years ago. But despite Connick's success, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead is not impressed. He says the young musician apes Thelonious Monk and Frank Sinatra, and badly.