Jazz

Cécile McLorin Salvant: Making Old Songs New Again

Kevin Whitehead — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:43:00 +0000

Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant was born in Miami to French and Haitian parents, and started singing jazz while living in Paris. Back in the U.S., she won the Thelonious Monk vocal competition in 2010. The 23-year-old's first album, WomanChild, is now out — and few jazz debuts by singers or instrumentalists make this big a splash.

Salvant's unusual material sets her apart as much as her chops do. The most recent non-original tune on her nervily accomplished debut is by Fats Waller.

Terence Blanchard Turns A Tragic Champion Into An Opera Hero

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:43:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVQd7H28xts

Two Generations Of Jazz Guitar Tune Up For Father's Day

NPR Staff — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:48:00 +0000

It's Father's Day weekend — and instead of another tie, Weekend Edition Saturday is getting a slice of New Jersey Pizzarelli.

That's jazz guitarists Bucky and John Pizzarelli, to be exact.

NO BS! Brass Band: Tiny Desk Concert

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:26:00 +0000

Just southeast of the Virginia Commonwealth University campus in Richmond, Va., lies a compact neighborhood called Oregon Hill. Historically, it's been a (white) working-class part of town, affordable for students and various bohemian types. Recording engineer Lance Koehler was drawn to the place when he moved to Richmond from New Orleans; it's where he eventually found a two-story garage and converted it into his own recording studio and home. It didn't take him long to start doing business across the Richmond music map: Koehler is good at his job, and he's affordable.

Cynthia Sayer On Piano Jazz

Grant Jackson — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:12:00 +0000

Cynthia Sayer is widely regarded as one of the best banjoists in the world, able to perform in virtually any genre. Her accolades include the National Banjo Hall of Fame, a New York Philharmonic appearance and performances for two U.S. presidents. Sayer has played with Woody Allen's jazz band for more than a decade, and on this episode of Piano Jazz With Jon Weber, she whips up a fresh take on an old-time sound. Her latest album is titled Joyride.

Janis Siegel On Piano Jazz

Grant Jackson — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:10:00 +0000

Janis Siegel has been a member of the seminal vocal group The Manhattan Transfer for 30-plus years. Along the way, the group has recorded more than 20 albums and collected eight Grammy Awards, and Siegel also has nine solo albums under her belt.

Reflections On A Dozen Years With Abbey Lincoln

Shannon J. Effinger — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:13:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9GhIaaEC6c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLd6lW-ZXzU

Johnny Smith, Revered Guitar Player, Has Died

editor — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:11:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIuIIqbyEIU

The Bridge Trio: Live From 92Y Tribeca

editor — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:49:00 +0000

The trio of Joe Dyson (drums), Max Moran (bass) and Conun Pappas (piano) met in New Orleans' performing-arts high school, and have all gone on to careers in music. Together, they've worked as Donald Harrison's rhythm section before they could legally drink, and in 2012 released a self-titled debut album as The Bridge Trio.

José James On World Cafe

David Dye — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Originally from Minneapolis, José James began chasing his dreams of jazz singing at 17. He found his way to London and New York, and eventually ended up at The New School to study jazz vocals. James was always interested in a musical place where jazz, R&B, hip-hop and more can all come together.

James finds that musical niche on his new album, No Beginning, No End.