There are many kinds of open. Poet Audre Lorde in her poem “Coal” conveys in words what jazz saxophonist Tia Fuller conveys in sound. The metaphor of the diamond gives voice to the shine inside them ...

A note to those who feel, not without merit, that popular culture is getting so stiflingly politically correct and even “woke” that it is being strangled to death: In 1989, when I published my book ...

This is FRESH AIR. Here on the show, we memorialize jazz composer Benny Golson and drummer Roy Haynes. Jazz historian Kevin Whitehead remembers a few more musicians who passed in 2024. For some of ...

When thinking about jazz, it’s impossible to ignore the deep, soulful contributions of Black women who have shaped the genre into what it is today. From smooth and sultry vocals to bold, ...

Artemis may be our generation’s equivalent of Weather Report. The contemporary jazz ensemble founded by pianist Renee Rosnes, which was a major hit at Newport last week, has at least a few abstract ...

Reflecting upon her extraordinary 25-year career as one of Los Angeles’ premiere and most respected jazz producers, Barbara Brighton connects powerfully with—and continues to wholeheartedly embody—an ...

Jazz concerts will be here, there and nearly everywhere in San Diego this fall. The list of likely highlights includes performances at area venues that range from Escondido to Tijuana, La Jolla to ...

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