jazz

Jon Cleary's Alchemy of the Groove

Gwen Thompkins — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 +0000

This week, we bring you that funky gentleman in the Ninth Ward, Jon Cleary, who joins us to talk about his native England, his grandmother, the piano back home, his mother's songwriting chops, and a variety of other loves.

Earl Hines: Big Bands And Beyond On A New Box Set

Kevin Whitehead — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:33:00 +0000

By 1928, Earl Hines was jazz's most revolutionary pianist, for two good reasons. His right hand played lines in bright, clear octaves that could cut through a band. His left hand had a mind of its own. Hines could play fast stride and boogie bass patterns, but then his southpaw would go rogue — it'd seem to step out of the picture altogether, only to slide back just in time.

Hines might have focused on a career as dazzling pianist, like Art Tatum. But after working in various orchestras, he itched to lead one of his own.

Spend An Hour with John Boutté

Gwen Thompkins — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe Performs at the CAC

Diane Mack — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:58:09 +0000

We go Inside the Arts for conversation with acclaimed trumpeter, composer and poet Hannibal Lokumbe. The residencies of Lokumbe at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans will be celebrated with a new retrospective exhibit — And Their Voices Cry Freedom Again — and with concerts on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

In conjunction with Lokumbe's concerts, the CAC will host two special exhibition preview receptions on March 1 and 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Hannibal Lokumbe at CAC; Tanner Colby; Sutton Foster at NOCCA

Diane Mack — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:18:42 +0000

Creole Trombone: Kid Ory and the Early Years of Jazz

Fred Kasten — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:44:19 +0000

Today on The Sound of Books with Fred Kasten, the new book from New Orleans photojournalist and jazz historian John McCusker — Creole Trombone: Kid Ory and the Early Years of Jazz.

Diana Krall: Old-Time Music, Rooted In Nostalgia

Steve Inskeep — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:31:04 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Osice1AjtI

A Brief History Of Jazz Education, Pt. 1

Alex W. Rodriguez — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:12:24 +0000

One year ago, when I began graduate study in ethnomusicology at UCLA, I found myself undergoing what has become a familiar ritual. As I played my trombone in a near-empty classroom accompanied by a play-a-long recording, it occurred to me that I was in the midst of my sixth college big band audition. A professor — in this special case, guitar legend Kenny Burrell — led the proceedings.

Branford Marsalis On Sensitive Musicians And The First Family Of Jazz

Guy Raz — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, oldest son of New Orleans pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis, released an album with his quartet this week. He spoke to weekends on All Things Considered host Guy Raz about the failings of modern jazz, his hopes for the next generation and leaving New York City to move back to the South.

Don Vappie's Banjo Beat

Gwen Thompkins — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:01:05 +0000

Don Vappie can play just about anything on banjo — classical compositions, traditional jazz, even funk music. So wherever he goes musically, there's always an audience eager to hear what he has to say.