Albert Murray once noted that “the blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people [but rather] the product of a forward-looking, upward-striving people.” Throughout his career, Archie Shepp has explored the connection between the blues and aspiration for a brighter future. He’s done so significantly by branching the sonic qualities of the form to […]
Dave Brubeck and Bill Evans were the twin Great White Hopes of jazz piano at the apex of the Pax Americana. Born on opposite coasts at the opposite ends of the 1920s, both men achieved great popular success. Brubeck, the elder of the two, became a cult figure on college campuses during the 1950s and […]
To those who have been paying attention to younger artists the last few years, Mike Casey should be a somewhat familiar name. Since beginning is career in 2017, the saxophonist’s online streams have passed the nine million mark. In part his popularity has come from his openness to other sounds. Although mostly considering himself a […]
Neo-traditionalists like Wynton Marsalis and Stanley Crouch have long desired the classification of “jazz” as “America’s classical music.” While this idea may bring more stature to the art form in certain social circles, it also largely marginalizes significant works by artists that do not fit their set preconceptions, particularly those in the avant-garde. Ironically, since […]
“An insult to the intellect of the people.” “Repetitious crap.” “Pure arrogance.” These are just a few of the choice descriptions provided to Miles Davis’ On the Corner (Columbia, 1972) upon its initial release. Or, as Stan Getz described it, “[t]hat music is worthless. It means nothing; there is no form, no content, and it […]
Here it is, a “Best Of” list for the worst of years. Alright, that’s a bit jokey; the fact is that 2020 produced an extraordinary efflorescence of great music. Lilacs out of the dead land of pandemic-ravaged, polarized America. This list was culled from a larger list of superb recordings, 20 of them in all. […]
Portland-based singer-songwriter/pianist Jarrod Lawson made waves in 2014 with his self-titled debut album, quickly garnering an international fanbase who have been clamoring for a sophomore project ever since. 2019’s VISIONS groove tape quelled those appetites briefly (available on Bandcamp under the pseudonym Orpheus) and demonstrated Jarrod’s range and production skills. In late 2020, he returned […]
We continue our discussion with Michael Wimberly with an emphasis on the concept behind Afrofuturism (Temple Mountain Records, 2021), his influences, and his role as an educator. PG: You had mentioned that the concept for Afrofuturism was at least partly based on your love of the “Ancient to the Future” concept. The title track sounds like […]
Michael Wimberly’s musical career can be seen as focused on minimizing the gaps between different styles and forms of art. A significant amount of his compositions have been to support dance troupes and classes including the Martha Graham School of Dance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Joffrey II Ballet. He’s also provided music for […]
At the mouth of the mighty Mississippi, New Orleans has always been a cultural melting pot. French, Spanish, Native American, African, and other influences blend to create art, music, food, and more that are unique and diverse. The city’s version of the Blues was not immune. Most Blues forms lacked complex polyrhythmic structures. And the instrument […]
