Latin Grammys 2020: The jazz nominees
Chick Corea, Miguel Zenón and David Sánchez are among the jazz notables nominated for this year’s Latin Grammy Awards. They’re joined by the...
Why Palo Alto is one of the best Thelonious Monk recordings ever heard
In October of 1968, 16-year-old student Danny Scher invited Thelonious Monk to play at his high school in Palo Alto, Calif. Monk,...
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....
Video series combines talents of Black artists inspired by Louis Armstrong
The Louis Armstrong House Museum has brought together more than a dozen artists from a variety of disciplines to perform as part...
Juno-nominated ensemble OKAN releases sophomore album Espiral
Juno-nominated Latin jazz group OKAN has just released their second full-length album titled Espiral. Filled with heritage, storytelling and spirituality, Espiral delves deeper into the...
Cécile McLorin Salvant wins MacArthur Foundation’s ‘genius grant’
Jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of 21 people to be awarded this year’s MacArthur Foundation fellowship, also known as the “genius...
8 songs for a classy, jazzy Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving is, normally, a wonderful occasion. It’s a time for getting together with family and friends and giving thanks for the blessings...
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...
Herb Alpert documentary details trumpeter and A&M founder’s legacy
Now available to stream online through local theatres, a new feature-length documentary traces the life and career of trumpet player, philanthropist and A&M...
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...
Barbra Lica shares new song, donates proceeds to Daily Bread Food Bank
Toronto singer-songwriter Barbra Lica has released a new song called Hello From My Basement, with all proceeds from Bandcamp sales going toward the Daily...
Saxophonist Jesse Ryan wins Toronto Arts Foundation’s emerging jazz artist award
The Toronto Arts Foundation celebrated seven leading artists and organizations for their work on Thursday. The winner of the Emerging Jazz Artist...
‘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...
One of Louis Armstrong’s trumpets, made in 1948, heads to auction
One of the trumpets played by Louis Armstrong in the early 1950s is heading to auction. The exceptionally rare instrument is a Selmer...
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...
Great jazz tunes for the Labour Day weekend
Labour Day weekend is sometimes referred to as the last big hurrah before things go back to “normal.” Of course, these days...
Toronto’s The Rex reopens with daily lineup of live jazz and blues
Good news, Toronto: The city’s longest-running jazz club is back. The Rex is reopening Thursday to host two live shows a night,...
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....