Laura Fernandez on the making of Okay, Alright, her first album in 10 years
You know Laura Fernandez as the host of Café Latino, but you may also know her as an accomplished singer and songwriter....
Countermeasure flex ‘musical muscles’ on new album Guest Sessions
Aaron Jensen is a composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and artistic director for various festivals, ensembles, recording projects — and pretty much anything...
Jackie Richardson reflects on her early years and best moments
This article was originally published by FYIMusicNews. “It all began with Salome Bey saying, ‘You should sing the blues. Here’s a script...
‘I am here, too’: Bettye LaVette takes her place in American music history
Bettye LaVette’s first single in 1963 was a major hit, but for the next 40 years, the R&B singer bounced between label...
The fascinating history and musical culture of the Mardi Gras Indians
Rob Bowman has been writing professionally about R&B, rock, country, jazz and gospel for close to 50 years. Nominated for six Grammy...
With new album, Billy Childs finds the difference between acceptance and resignation
Pianist, composer and arranger Billy Childs has been defining the sound of American music for four decades. Whether it’s with Freddie Hubbard, the...
John Beasley channels the ‘courage’ of Thelonious Monk
John Beasley has a very big musical mind. The Grammy- and Emmy-nominated pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader has worked with Freddie Hubbard,...
How martial arts taught Christian Sands the fundamentals of jazz
Christian Sands’ music is what 21st century jazz sounds like. It’s dynamic, it’s surprising, it’s melodic, and yet it’s still so full...
Harold López-Nussa captures life in Havana with new album Te Lo Dije
Harold López-Nussa is one of the most dynamic piano players to have joined the international jazz scene over the last 10 years....
Brandi Disterheft talks new album Surfboard: ‘It’s very special’
Bassist, vocalist and composer Brandi Disterheft is joined by some of the most experienced musicians in the world for her upcoming album,...
Bill Frisell on the musical ‘magic’ between people
Bill Frisell has been making his guitar tell stories for more than 40 years. His push to innovate and create new sounds...
Renee Rosnes on the combined powers of Artemis
Artemis is a multi-generational, internationally represented supergroup made up of seven of the most acclaimed musicians in modern jazz. The band comprises...
Alex Cuba and the joyful beauty of simplicity
Like so many others, Alex Cuba has found hope and inspiration in music to help him get through tough times. The Juno-winning...
Hilario Durán on the making of The Cuban soundtrack
The Cuban is a new film about a well-known Cuban jazz musician who’s in a nursing home, struggling with dementia. A new pre-med...
Dione Taylor and the power of the ‘Prairie blues’
Dione Taylor is a vocalist who’s always searching. In 2005, she was nominated for a Juno Award in the category of vocal...
Angela Turone and Chris Platt share their love of Brazilian music
When Angela Turone met Chris Platt at the University of Toronto several years ago, their musical chemistry was instant. The vocalist and...
Michael Brecker: An archival interview from the jazz icon’s early years
This article was originally published by FYIMusicNews. I became aware of saxophonist Michael Brecker through his brother Randy’s debut album, Score, in...
An unearthed interview with Canadian jazz icon Moe Koffman
This article was originally published by FYIMusicNews. I was clearing space in the basement and came across a box of cassettes from...
The endless rise and bottomless love of Gregory Porter
When Gregory Porter arrived on the music scene a decade ago with his first album Water, it signalled something very special. Jazz...
Arturo O’Farrill muses on jazz, revolution and the American soul
What does integrity do in the face of adversity and oppression? What does honesty do in the face of lies and deception?...
Vocal trio Duchess sing and laugh their way through hard times
Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou make up the New York-based vocal group known as Duchess. Following in the tradition of...
Christian McBride on racism, outrage, hope — and the beauty of jazz
Christian McBride’s list of roles and achievements is nearly endless. The bassist, composer, arranger and bandleader is a six-time Grammy winner who...
John Scofield and the one great, big guitar
John Scofield’s list of accomplishments is long, and his list of credits is enormous. Needless to say, Scofield has been one of...