How has the pandemic changed how you play? Eight pianists answer
This article was originally published by FYIMusicNews. The recent passing of jazz piano titan Chick Corea at 79 has tapped a nerve within...
Etta Jones’s sound was pure passion for jazz
The Artistry of… Etta Jones Her bio tells a story of a very young Etta standing in front of a mirror and...
Joanna Majoko on her ‘empowering’ solo debut, No Holding Back
Vocalist, composer and bandleader Joanna Majoko has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting young singers. Born in Germany, she moved...
The best of Chick Corea: Five essential albums by the renowned pianist
Chick Corea had ceaseless energy, wit, talent and virtuosity. Of his nearly 100 albums, these five unique recordings are among the most important landmarks in his incredible career....
Charenée Wade emits the jazz spirit of our times
The Artistry of… Charenée Wade In 2021, first and second place in the Thelonious Monk competition went to Cécile McLorin Salvant and...
The artistry of Aaron Diehl sneaks up on you
The Artistry of… Aaron Diehl The artistry of Aaron Diehl sneaks up on you — a quietude that belies the enormity of...
Jazz saxophonist Cory Weeds taps into the sounds of Italy
Canadian saxophonist and bandleader Cory Weeds teamed up with one of today’s preeminent organ bands to record a blistering set of Italian-themed...
Molly Johnson makes her own kind of magic
The Artistry of… Molly Johnson When Molly sings, it just feels like everything’s going to be okay. There is an element to...
Kenny Wheeler played with fearlessness and subtlety
The Artistry of… Kenny Wheeler If you are going to improvise, you must be fearless. Key to that is to not confuse...
Katie Ditschun seizes the day with debut record Spare Skirt
Katie Ditschun is a singer-songwriter living in Alexandria, Ont. She attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied jazz...
Joe Sample embodied the evolution of jazz
The Artistry of… Joe Sample The electric keyboard was still fairly new in the ’60s. Joe Sample was one of the instrument’s...
The best of Duke Ellington: Five albums from a jazz royal
Duke Ellington was among the most noble of jazz royalty. These five albums offer perhaps the best idea of his importance and influence....
Peggy Lee was a friend of the song
She was born Norma Deloris Egstrom in North Dakota. Her epitaph says, “Music is my life’s breath.” That is a giant proclamation....
Alberta jazz quartet Bones From Underground talks debut album
Formed in 2019, Bones From Underground are an Alberta-based quartet that combines smoky bass, lush and explosive horns, and exuberant piano. Their sound is...
Amy Winehouse gave so much in so little time
The Artistry of… Amy Winehouse So much to give and with so little time to give it in — it seems to...
A jazz giant, Sonny Clark was small but mighty
The Artistry of… Sonny Clark Sonny Clark was a jazz piano giant. From all reports he stood at only a few inches...
The music of Monty Alexander is pure gold
The Artistry of… Monty Alexander Monty Alexander’s music and music-making is pure gold. He is massively proud of his heritage and culture....
Jazz vocalist Fuat Tuaç talks upcoming album The Immigrant
Fuat Tuaç is a vocalist who began his jazz journey by singing in his hometown of Istanbul, Turkey. In 2011, he moved...
Year in review: 25 of the best jazz albums of 2020
The jazz clubs all closed, and so did everything else. But thankfully, the music never stopped. This was a challenging year for...
With Don Thompson, everything feels easy
The Artistry of… Don Thompson It is easy to say that he leads with generosity and the confidence of a mentor. It...
Heather Bambrick and Diane Leah’s new Christmas song is an ‘emotional’ ode to hope
Heather Bambrick is a Juno-nominated vocalist — and if you’ve ever seen her perform, you’ll know how much fun her shows are....
Bobby Hutcherson played with innocence and honesty
The Artistry of… Bobby Hutcherson There is no sweeter praise than that by colleagues, friends, lovers and family. Contemporary and fellow artist...
Django Reinhardt was a drop of colour in musical waters
The Artistry of… Django Reinhardt You know that first science experiment fun where you put just a drop or two of food...