Jazz

Guest critic Milo Miles has a primer on world music, and he examines why it should, by all rights, be more popular in the U.S. than it is. Miles is the former rock critic for The Boston Phoenix.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Bayou Magic," a new album by clarinetist Alvin Batiste. Since the 50s, Batiste has been a key figure in the modern jazz movement in New Orleans. Under the auspices of the State Department, he has toured the world extensively, and is also a teacher at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where his students have included Branford Marsalis and Donald Harrison.

Pianist and singer Hadda Brooks. In the days following World War II, Brooks was a key figure in the West Coast jazz and blues scene. Her singing led to roles in movies and to a stint hosting a television show; she was the first black woman to earn that distinction. When her style of jazz and boogie woogie piano went into decline in the 50s, Brooks lived and performed overseas. She resumed her career in America in 1987, and was an immediate hit. She's currently appearing at Michael's Pub in New York City with singer Thelma Carpenter. (Interview by Sedge Thomson)

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead profiles the young alto saxophonist Christopher Hollyday. While still in his teens, Hollyday toured with bandleader Maynard Ferguson and headlined at New York's Village Vanguard. Hollyday plays in the style of Charlie Parker, the great bop alto saxophonist.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue of Ella Fitzgerald's 1961 album, "Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie." Kevin calls the album an amiable mix of jazz and pop standards, novelty numbers and maudlin torch songs.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new reissue of the late tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler. A key part of the free jazz movement of the 1960s, Ayler's sound has been likened to speaking in tongues.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Goin' Home," the second album by tuba player and composer Bob Stewart. Stewart, who stresses that the tuba is a world instrument, heard everywhere from New Orleans to Surinam, mixes genres in this album, jumping from "Sweet Georgia Brown" to Thelonius Monk's "Bemsha Swing."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead continues his review of "Private Collection," the ten-volume set of Duke Ellington compositions. In this review, Kevin focuses on one of Ellington's major suites - and a highlight of the collection - "Black, Brown and Beige."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews volumes 6 through 10 of Duke Ellington's "Private Collection," a series featuring previously unreleased Ellington compositions. Kevin says when the first five volumes were released it was a revelation. This new collection isn't quite as brilliant, but it's still a must have for any serious Ellington fan.

Many contemporary musicians cite Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young as among the prime innovators of jazz sax saxophone. But historian Loren Schoenberg says we shouldn't overlook the soulful contributions of Herschel Evans, who played with Count Basie's band.