In Canada, Alex Cuba is pushing Latin music forward
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews. Before Alex Cuba arrived for this interview, I recalled my first encounter nearly 20 years back...
Florian Hoefner finds a new challenge in simplicity
Critically acclaimed pianist and composer Florian Hoefner has been called a “composer-bandleader of insightful resolve” by The New York Times and a “harmonically...
What makes a great studio session? Kevin Breit explains
Kevin Breit is considered to be one of the most innovative and enigmatic guitarists that Canada has produced. Known for his diversity,...
For Irma Thomas, New Orleans is on her side
Irma Thomas is known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans.” In her career spanning more than half a century, the singer...
Harold Mabern was a jazz giant with a ‘wonderful spirit’
Harold Mabern, a jazz giant considered to be “one of the great post-bop pianists,” died on Sept. 17, 2019. He was 83....
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...
How guitarist Eric St-Laurent taps the mysterious ways of the brain
From Montreal, guitarist and composer Eric St-Laurent has been an important part of the music scene in Toronto for many years now....
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....
Michael League explains how Snarky Puppy keeps pushing forward
Michael League is the bassist, composer and producer of the three-time Grammy-winning Snarky Puppy. Currently gearing up for the next leg of...
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...
Ahmad Jamal explains what makes a jazz musician one of the greats
This piece was originally published on FYIMusicNews....
How pianist Brian Dickinson was shaped by Bill Evans
Juno Award-winning pianist and composer Brian Dickinson has been a mainstay on the Canadian jazz scene for close to 40 years. He...
With the help of jazz icons, Brandi Disterheft is making her own legacy
“She is what we call serious,” Oscar Peterson once said. Juno Award-winning Brandi Disterheft has been backed not only by the legendary Peterson,...
Mark Fewer wants to make Stratford one of Canada’s top destinations for jazz
Juno Award-winning and internationally celebrated violinist Mark Fewer has a genre-bending style and a mind-bending career. He’s performed the world over and...
How Jodi Proznick became one of Canada’s best jazz bassists
Brad Barker is jazz.fm91’s music director and on-air host Juno-nominated musician Jodi Proznick is one of the best bassists in the country,...
In Iraq, The War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. found ‘peace and solitude’ in music
On stage, army veteran Michael Trotter Jr. is fearless. But in 2003, when Trotter was deployed to the war in Iraq,...
How Scarlet Rivera became one of the most prolific violinists in music
Laura Fernandez is the host of Café Latino on jazz.fm91 Scarlet Rivera is one of the most in-demand and versatile violinists in...
Why Curtis Nowosad feels it’s his duty to make politically pointed jazz
Heather Bambrick is a musician and the host of The Heather Bambrick Show and Jazzology on jazz.fm91 Drummer, composer, educator and bandleader Curtis Nowosad has had stints...
How South Korean innovator Youn Sun Nah fell in love with jazz by accident
Heather Bambrick is a musician and the host of The Heather Bambrick Show and Jazzology on jazz.fm91 South Korean vocalist Youn Sun Nah is an artist with...
Donna Grantis is bringing a rock ‘n’ roll attitude to jazz
Brad Barker is jazz.fm91’s music director and host of Afternoon Drive. Donna Grantis has been a hired gun for the likes of Shakura S’Aida,...
‘My identity is a fusion’: How Vernon Reid found his sound
Brad Barker is the music director and host of Afternoon Drive at jazz.fm91. Vernon Reid is one of the great guitarists of his generation. From...