Eric Mercury is Canada’s hidden gem of ‘60s soul
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews. Electric Black Man is a milestone ‘60s recording and penetrating musical document from a Canadian singer...
The artistry of Patricia Barber is in her rebellion
The Artistry of… Patricia Barber Imagine the creative audacity of uniqueness and wanting to write your own material — all of this...
For composer Karl Silveira, jazz and visual art are intrinsically linked
Last year saw the release of the documentary film The Price of Everything, which undertook a deep exploration of the marketplace for contemporary art —...
Roy Hargrove and the natural essence of jazz
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews. I can’t think of an artist of Roy Hargrove’s generation having a greater impact on jazz....
The boogaloo effect: How a youth movement shaped the history of Latin music
Boogaloo! You’ve likely heard this word often, bandied about in band names, song titles, lyrics and nightclubs. But have you ever wondered...
Kenny Barron is made of magical moments
The Artistry of… Kenny Barron He is a master ensemble player, an inspirational bandleader, and commander of the piano keyboard. He has...
Bobby McFerrin on the ‘60s, going solo, and unlocking the power of the voice
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews. While rummaging through well-worn editions of Jazz Report, a magazine I published for 18 years beginning...
At the root of Larnell Lewis’s music is a kindhearted soul
The Artistry of… Larnell Lewis Larnell Lewis is an immense talent who has fierce creativity and a continually evolving musical style. His...
Against the odds, these Canadian bandleaders made it big in the U.S.
During the heyday of the big bands, it was next to impossible for a Canadian orchestra to get permission from the American...
Ahmad Jamal explains what makes a jazz musician one of the greats
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews....
With respect for tradition, Stefon Harris strives for new and exciting
The Artistry of… Stefon Harris The LA Times has called him “one of the most important young artists in jazz.” “Stefon Harris...
Get to know emerging artist David Cruz, a dynamic Toronto jazz guitarist
Up-and-coming Toronto jazz guitarist David Cruz is already getting noticed internationally, but he’s “just getting started.” The 23-year-old has the thoughtful playing...
Fun and groovy, Ramsey Lewis makes us all dance with him
The Artistry of… Ramsey Lewis There is a twinkle in his eyes. It is as bright today as it ever was. It...
What to expect at this year’s TD Markham Jazz Festival
Bill King is a jazz columnist and co-host of Soul Nation on jazz.fm91. This piece was originally published by FYIMusicNews. For 22 years, the TD...
Dinah Washington made beautiful music out of such struggle
The Artistry of… Dinah Washington She could sing whatever she wanted… blues, jazz and popular music. Early days were in the church...
Here are 8 jazz albums to soundtrack your summer
Walter Venafro hosts Saturday afternoons on jazz.fm91 It often feels like summer isn’t long enough. So, whenever you get a chance to...
The voice of Ray Charles can take you on sweet journeys
The Artistry of… Ray Charles The voice is the voice of a storyteller — as engaging in a whisper as it is...
Christine Jensen lends her voice to future generations of jazz artists
The Artistry of… Christine Jensen Christine Jensen is a WIJO (Women in Jazz Organization) mentor. The WIJO mentor definition is simple and...
David Sanborn embodies the heart and soul of jazz and the blues
The Artistry of… David Sanborn Inspired jazz and blues as played by his heroes of the Chicago blues scene is the starting...
Julie London was the image of ‘50s feminine cool
The Artistry of… Julie London Memorable for the imagery of smoky sensuality and fifties feminine cool is the voice of the late...
Tribute to João Gilberto: 15 classic songs by the ‘father of bossa nova’
João Gilberto changed the course of Brazilian music, but it didn’t stop there — he changed the world with his bossa nova...
20 pianists who helped change the direction of jazz
The history of the jazz piano starts in roughly 1899. By my count, 20 pianists influenced the direction of jazz over the...
Jimmy Scott had ‘more pain and prettiness’ than any other singer
The Artistry of… Jimmy Scott “As singers, we all deal in pain,” said Ray Charles. “We’re all trying to push the pain...