Gospel and blues, melodic sensibility, and honest emotion… Based in Minnesota, with roots in Tennessee, Chastity Brown grew up surrounded by country and soul music. In the gospel church of her childhood, […]
It was in late 2022 that Jarrod Lawson had the biggest, and most unexpected, thrill of his music career. He had just received a glowing endorsement in print from Michelle Obama, in an Entertainment Weekly interview. When asked who she was listening to, after mentioning Beyonce, added “There’s this young jazz, blue-eyed soul kid Jarrod Lawson that I’m loving.” […]
Painted in the broadest of strokes, the stories of Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez may seem similar. Both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the United States. There, they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in their own deeply personal way. Rodriguez was born […]
Hamilton de Holanda is one of Brazil’s most celebrated musicians—a global ambassador, virtuoso performer, and groundbreaking improviser. Picking up the mandolin at the age of five, he redefined the ten-string version of the instrument. Then, he transformed it into a versatile voice that bridges the worlds of jazz, choro, and beyond. The foundation of his music […]
On her remarkable debut album, 2025’s Escape, Peruvian-American saxophonist/composer Lucia Sarmiento emerges as a rising star in modern jazz. Here, she delivers playful yet intricate melodies. “When I play the saxophone, I love that feeling of danger,” says Sarmiento. With a powerful tenor sound and an effervescent personality, she explains, “I’m drawn to music filled with intensity and […]
KDTU has electrified audiences around the world for over twenty-five years. They have played the fields of Naeba in Japan at the infamous Fuji Rock Festival. Also, the hallowed stage of […]
Minnesota stalwarts The New Standards create an intriguing blend of everything from classic cabaret to punk rock. Here, they blend the freedom of jazz with the soul of pop and rock. They make it work through offbeat humor and sheer musicianship. The instrumentation is simple: John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame on bass; Chan Poling, founder of the new-wave group […]
The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades, they have played with spirit and adventure and have made their own rules. Moreover, they do so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad […]
Celebrate the season as the incomparable Preservation Hall Jazz Band takes the stage with Creole Christmas. This memorable performance will feature New Orleans classics as well as beloved holiday selections with a twist. Founded in 1963, the band takes its name from Preservation Hall, the humble but historic French Quarter music venue. There, Preservation Hall is dedicated to […]
With: José James – vocals Jahari Stampley – piano Kanoa Mendenhall – bass Otis Brown III – drums “Merry Christmas from José James” raises the bar for the contemporary Christmas show. James combines the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. […]
For over two decades, Southside Aces have been playing the repertoire of the Jazz Age greats and beyond. Here, they play the early New Orleans of Jelly Roll Morton and the Chicago joys of Louis Armstrong. The evocative compositions of the young Duke Ellington to the barrel house sounds of Preservation Hall. Even the early rock and […]
Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi […]
