Jazz: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Ten Classic Jazz Singers
Ten of the most famous jazz singers. From the days of early jazz and swing, jazz singers and instrumentalists have influenced each other's phrasing and melodic conceptions. This list is a mere introduction to the world of vocal jazz.
Ten of the most famous jazz singers. From the days of early jazz and swing, jazz singers and instrumentalists have influenced each other's phrasing and melodic conceptions. This list is a mere introduction to the world of vocal jazz.
Ten Classic Jazz Recordings
Ten Classic Jazz Recordings to Start Your Collection.
Ten Classic Jazz Recordings to Start Your Collection.
Jazz and Civil Rights
A profile of civil rights in jazz. How jazz musicians spoke out for racial equality and social justice.
A profile of civil rights in jazz. How jazz musicians spoke out for racial equality and social justice.
Ten Swing Era Musicians
A list of ten musicians from the swing era, the days of jazz when dance halls were packed to hear and dance to the best big bands from around the country. Although swing was popular music, artists such as the ones listed developed styles that influenced later musicians, into bebop and beyond, setting the stage for jazz to become the valued art form it is today.
A list of ten musicians from the swing era, the days of jazz when dance halls were packed to hear and dance to the best big bands from around the country. Although swing was popular music, artists such as the ones listed developed styles that influenced later musicians, into bebop and beyond, setting the stage for jazz to become the valued art form it is today.
What Is Ragtime?
A description of ragtime, including its musical characteristics, origins, and a list of prominent composers.
A description of ragtime, including its musical characteristics, origins, and a list of prominent composers.
Jazz By Decade Hub
Jazz music history arranged by decade. Read about advances made and important events in jazz in each decade since 1900.
Jazz music history arranged by decade. Read about advances made and important events in jazz in each decade since 1900.
Jazz by Decade: 1930-1940
A glimpse at jazz at in the 1930s.
A glimpse at jazz at in the 1930s.
Bebop
A description of bebop, the innovative style of jazz that developed in the 1940s.
A description of bebop, the innovative style of jazz that developed in the 1940s.
Ten Early Jazz Musicians
Read about ten of the most important musicians of early jazz. In the beginning of the 1900s, the innovations of these instrumentalists laid the groundwork for jazz to evolve into such a vibrant art form.
Read about ten of the most important musicians of early jazz. In the beginning of the 1900s, the innovations of these instrumentalists laid the groundwork for jazz to evolve into such a vibrant art form.
Jazz By Decade 1940
A brief history of jazz in the 1940s.
A brief history of jazz in the 1940s.
Ten Bebop Musicians
A list of ten founders of bebop.
A list of ten founders of bebop.
Jazz By Decade: 1920-1930
A look at jazz between 1920 and 1930.
A look at jazz between 1920 and 1930.
What Is Swing?
A description of the music from the swing era of jazz.
A description of the music from the swing era of jazz.
An Introduction to Jazz Music
A brief history of jazz music.
A brief history of jazz music.
Louis Armstrong
Profile of trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Profile of trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Jazz Instruments
A photo gallery featuring the instruments typically used in jazz music.
A photo gallery featuring the instruments typically used in jazz music.
Five Legends of Latin Jazz
Five of the most important Latin Jazz musicians.
Five of the most important Latin Jazz musicians.
Jazz History Saxophone
A brief history of saxophonists in jazz.
A brief history of saxophonists in jazz.
What Is Early Jazz?
A description of early jazz, also referred to as hot jazz or Dixieland music.
A description of early jazz, also referred to as hot jazz or Dixieland music.
What is Bossa Nova?
A description of the Brazilian music that combined samba with jazz.
A description of the Brazilian music that combined samba with jazz.
Jazz By Decade: 1910-1920
A glimpse at what was going on in jazz in the decade between 1910 and 1920.
A glimpse at what was going on in jazz in the decade between 1910 and 1920.
Jazz By Decade: 1900-1910
A look at jazz from 1900-1910.
A look at jazz from 1900-1910.
Jazz By Decade 1950
A brief history of jazz between 1950 and 1960.
A brief history of jazz between 1950 and 1960.
Billie Holiday
Profile of jazz singer Billie Holiday.
Profile of jazz singer Billie Holiday.
Five Albums of Modern Jazz
A list of five jazz albums from the past decade or so that might help someone just getting into jazz understand the modern jazz climate.
A list of five jazz albums from the past decade or so that might help someone just getting into jazz understand the modern jazz climate.
Hot Jazz
Hot jazz was an early style popularized by Louis Armstrong.
Hot jazz was an early style popularized by Louis Armstrong.
Ella Fitzgerald
Artist Profile of Jazz Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Artist Profile of Jazz Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Biography of Charlie Parker
Profile of Alto Saxophonist Charlie Parker
Profile of Alto Saxophonist Charlie Parker
Swing
: a style of jazz that was dominant in the 1930s, and performed by jazz big bands primarily for dancing
: a style of jazz that was dominant in the 1930s, and performed by jazz big bands primarily for dancing
Duke Ellington
Profile of pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington.
Profile of pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington.
Rhythm Section
The part of the jazz ensemble that provides the pulse, beat, groove, and/or harmonic material of a tune.
The part of the jazz ensemble that provides the pulse, beat, groove, and/or harmonic material of a tune.
Dizzy Gillespie Biogrpahy
Profile of Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie
Profile of Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie
Jazz Internet Radio
A list of jazz internet radio sites, with a brief profile of each.
A list of jazz internet radio sites, with a brief profile of each.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
Review of 'Kind of Blue,' the seminal album by Miles Davis.
Review of 'Kind of Blue,' the seminal album by Miles Davis.
Gay Disco Trio
Review of Andrew D'Angelo's Gay Disco Trio at Cornelia Street Café, July 17th, 2009.
Review of Andrew D'Angelo's Gay Disco Trio at Cornelia Street Café, July 17th, 2009.
scat singing
Scat singing is a style of vocal jazz.
Scat singing is a style of vocal jazz.
frank sinatra
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
Hard Bop
Hard Bop was a style based on bebop that drew from other types of African American music.
Hard Bop was a style based on bebop that drew from other types of African American music.
Miles Davis - Trumpet
Profile of trumpeter Miles Davis
Profile of trumpeter Miles Davis
Changes
: The way in which the chords change, or move from one to another is what provides the harmonic landscape
: The way in which the chords change, or move from one to another is what provides the harmonic landscape
Jazz Piano in 2010
The piano seems to be at the forefront of innovation, perhaps because the instrument’s versatility makes it the easiest one with which to incorporate and combine distinct styles. This list consists of albums released in 2010 that demonstrate the vitality of piano music in contemporary jazz, whether it calls upon traditional jazz, classical music, free improvisation, or modern indie rock.
The piano seems to be at the forefront of innovation, perhaps because the instrument’s versatility makes it the easiest one with which to incorporate and combine distinct styles. This list consists of albums released in 2010 that demonstrate the vitality of piano music in contemporary jazz, whether it calls upon traditional jazz, classical music, free improvisation, or modern indie rock.
Ten Jazz Biographies
A list of ten biographies of legendary jazz musicians.
A list of ten biographies of legendary jazz musicians.
Scott Joplin
A profile of Scott Joplin, the premiere ragtime pianist and composer whose style paved the way for early jazz.
A profile of Scott Joplin, the premiere ragtime pianist and composer whose style paved the way for early jazz.
John Coltrane, Tenor Saxophone
Profile of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane
Profile of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane
Johnny Hartman
Artist profile of jazz singer Johnny Hartman.
Artist profile of jazz singer Johnny Hartman.
Free Jazz and Free Improvisation
A brief look into what free jazz and free improvisation are, how they differ, and how they influence the jazz landscape today.
A brief look into what free jazz and free improvisation are, how they differ, and how they influence the jazz landscape today.
Bix Beiderbecke
Profile of Cornetist Bix Beiderbecke.
Profile of Cornetist Bix Beiderbecke.
Free Jazz
Free Jazz is a style developed in the 1950s and 60s that marked a distinct departure from tradition.
Free Jazz is a style developed in the 1950s and 60s that marked a distinct departure from tradition.
Sarah Vaughan
A biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan, who gave voice to the sounds of bebop, and recorded popular song and jazz with equal flair.
A biography of jazz singer Sarah Vaughan, who gave voice to the sounds of bebop, and recorded popular song and jazz with equal flair.
Blue Train John Coltrane
Review of 'Blue Train' by John Coltrane.
Review of 'Blue Train' by John Coltrane.
Photos of Ten Top Jazz Saxophonists
Photos of ten top jazz saxophonists, courtesy of jazz photographer Juan-Carlos Hernandez
Photos of ten top jazz saxophonists, courtesy of jazz photographer Juan-Carlos Hernandez
Jazz Drummer Max Roach
Profile of Jazz Drummer Max Roach.
Profile of Jazz Drummer Max Roach.
Fats Waller
A short bio of jazz pianist Fats Waller, who helped develop the art of stride piano.
A short bio of jazz pianist Fats Waller, who helped develop the art of stride piano.
Freddie Hubbard
Profile of Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard
Profile of Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard
Mingus Ah Um
Review of Charles Mingus' 1959 album 'Mingus Ah Um.'
Review of Charles Mingus' 1959 album 'Mingus Ah Um.'
The Head
The head is the composed portion of the jazz performance.
The head is the composed portion of the jazz performance.
Chorus
A chorus is a full cycle through the form of a jazz tune.
A chorus is a full cycle through the form of a jazz tune.
Subconscious-Lee
Review of saxophonist Lee Konitz' album 'Subconscious-Lee.'
Review of saxophonist Lee Konitz' album 'Subconscious-Lee.'
Lester Young
Artist profile of saxophonist Lester Young.
Artist profile of saxophonist Lester Young.
Clifford Brown
A biography of the trumpeter Clifford Brown, whose career was cut tragically short at age 25.
A biography of the trumpeter Clifford Brown, whose career was cut tragically short at age 25.
Stride
Stride is a style of piano jazz that originated in Harlem, New York during World War I.
Stride is a style of piano jazz that originated in Harlem, New York during World War I.
Art Blakey
Profile of jazz drummer Art Blakey.
Profile of jazz drummer Art Blakey.
Cannonball Adderley
Real Name: Julian Adderley Instrument: Alto Saxophone Reason for Nickname: âCannonballâ was originally
Real Name: Julian Adderley Instrument: Alto Saxophone Reason for Nickname: âCannonballâ was originally
Diana Krall
Profile of vocalist Diana Krall.
Profile of vocalist Diana Krall.
Charles Mingus
Profile of jazz bassist Charles Mingus.
Profile of jazz bassist Charles Mingus.
Latin Jazz Bandleader Machito
Profile of Latin jazz bandleader Machito.
Profile of Latin jazz bandleader Machito.
John Coltrane Johnny Hartman
Review of the classic jazz album 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.'
Review of the classic jazz album 'John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.'
List of Jazz Albums Inspired by electronic music
A brief list of jazz albums inspired by electronic music.
A brief list of jazz albums inspired by electronic music.
Ragtime
Ragtime was a predecessor of early jazz styles, popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Ragtime was a predecessor of early jazz styles, popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Five Freddie Hubbard Albums
A list of five important Freddie Hubbard recordings, representing different periods of his brilliant career.
A list of five important Freddie Hubbard recordings, representing different periods of his brilliant career.
Jazz and Pop Music
A discussion of the health of jazz music, and where it falls in relation to popular music.
A discussion of the health of jazz music, and where it falls in relation to popular music.
Michael Bublé - Vocalist
Profile of Vocalist Michael Buble
Profile of Vocalist Michael Buble
Chick Webb
A profile of swing drummer Chick Webb.
A profile of swing drummer Chick Webb.
Lena Horne
A profile of jazz singer Lena Horne.
A profile of jazz singer Lena Horne.
Comp
: short for âaccompany.â When a jazz soloist is improvising, the members of the rhythm section comp for
: short for âaccompany.â When a jazz soloist is improvising, the members of the rhythm section comp for
Billy Strayhorn
A biography of the composer, arranger, pianist Billy Strayhorn, who played a significant role in the the prestigious Duke Ellington Big Band.
A biography of the composer, arranger, pianist Billy Strayhorn, who played a significant role in the the prestigious Duke Ellington Big Band.
Fletcher Henderson
Profile of Bandleader and Arranger Fletcher Henderson
Profile of Bandleader and Arranger Fletcher Henderson
Thelonious Monk
Profile of pianist Thelonious Monk.
Profile of pianist Thelonious Monk.
Rent Party
Harlem rent parties helped elevate the importance of jazz in New York in the decades preceding World War II.
Harlem rent parties helped elevate the importance of jazz in New York in the decades preceding World War II.
The Bad Plus For All I Care
Review of 'For All I Care' by The Bad Plus.
Review of 'For All I Care' by The Bad Plus.
Valentines Day Love Songs
Five classic jazz songs about love:
Five classic jazz songs about love:
Mario Bauza
Profile of Trumpeter Mario Bauza
Profile of Trumpeter Mario Bauza
Blues
Blues is both a style of music and a formal structure in jazz.
Blues is both a style of music and a formal structure in jazz.
Electronic Music Glossary
Electronic music and jazz find themselves meeting more and more in recent years. This glossary will help the acoustic jazz fan get to know the lingo of electronic music a little better.
Electronic music and jazz find themselves meeting more and more in recent years. This glossary will help the acoustic jazz fan get to know the lingo of electronic music a little better.
Gilad Hekselman Hearts Wide Open
A review of Gilad Hekselman's 2011 album 'Hearts Wide Open,' featuring saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
A review of Gilad Hekselman's 2011 album 'Hearts Wide Open,' featuring saxophonist Mark Turner, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Marcus Gilmore.
Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley
A review of 'Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley,' the classic jazz album that perfectly blends jazz vocals and improvised saxophone.
A review of 'Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley,' the classic jazz album that perfectly blends jazz vocals and improvised saxophone.
A Night at Birdland Review
Art Blakey Quintet's Album A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1 - Review of Art Blakey Quintet's Album A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1
Art Blakey Quintet's Album A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1 - Review of Art Blakey Quintet's Album A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1
Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Review of Bill Evans Trio's Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Review of Bill Evans Trio's Sunday at the Village Vanguard
Bill Carrothers Interview
An interview with jazz pianist Bill Carrothers, in which he discusses what it's like being a jazz musician in the boonies of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
An interview with jazz pianist Bill Carrothers, in which he discusses what it's like being a jazz musician in the boonies of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Diana Krall's Quiet Nights
Review of 'Quiet Nights' by Diana Krall
Review of 'Quiet Nights' by Diana Krall
Bill Evans
Biography of jazz pianist Bill Evans.
Biography of jazz pianist Bill Evans.
Form
The form is the internal structure of a piece of jazz music.
The form is the internal structure of a piece of jazz music.
Ornette Coleman
Artist profile of saxophonist Ornette Coleman.
Artist profile of saxophonist Ornette Coleman.
Wayne Shorter Bio
A brief biography of saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
A brief biography of saxophonist Wayne Shorter.
Review of Herbie Hancock's CD
Review of Herbie Hancock's River-the Joni Letters
Review of Herbie Hancock's River-the Joni Letters
Modal Jazz
: In modal jazz, the harmonic foundation for songs is a series of chords, each implying a specific mode
: In modal jazz, the harmonic foundation for songs is a series of chords, each implying a specific mode
Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster
A review of the classic jazz album 'Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster.' Although the two tenor saxophonists are the stars of the show, the record owes its deep swing feel to the Oscar Peterson Trio, who make up the rhythm section.
A review of the classic jazz album 'Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster.' Although the two tenor saxophonists are the stars of the show, the record owes its deep swing feel to the Oscar Peterson Trio, who make up the rhythm section.
Harmon Mute
: A Harmon mute is a trumpet mute that gives the instrument a metallic buzz sound. It is composed of
: A Harmon mute is a trumpet mute that gives the instrument a metallic buzz sound. It is composed of
Lee Konitz Profile
Profile of alto saxophonist Lee Konitz.
Profile of alto saxophonist Lee Konitz.
Jazz Festivals Hub
A list of some jazz festivals across the country.
A list of some jazz festivals across the country.
Herbie Hancock
A biography of jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.
A biography of jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.
David Fathead Newman
Profile of Saxophonist David Fathead Newman
Profile of Saxophonist David Fathead Newman
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Profile of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim
Profile of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim
Newport Jazz Festival
A brief history of the Newport Jazz Festival, as well as a description of its current state.
A brief history of the Newport Jazz Festival, as well as a description of its current state.
Sidney Bechet
A biography of saxophonist Sidney Bechet, one of the first early jazz musicians to develop a distinct and virtuosic style of improvisation.
A biography of saxophonist Sidney Bechet, one of the first early jazz musicians to develop a distinct and virtuosic style of improvisation.
James P. Johnson
Artist profile of jazz and stride pianist James P. Johnson.
Artist profile of jazz and stride pianist James P. Johnson.
Ray Barretto
Profile of Latin Jazz Artist Ray Barretto
Profile of Latin Jazz Artist Ray Barretto
Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmi
Profile of Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmieri.
Profile of Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmieri.
Jazz Blogroll
A list of links to jazz music blogs.
A list of links to jazz music blogs.
Maria Schneider
A profile of composer Maria Schneider, who has led the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra since 1993.
A profile of composer Maria Schneider, who has led the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra since 1993.
Jon Hendricks
Born:: September 16, 1921, Newark, Ohio Jazz Singer Jon Hendricks â Background : One of fifteen children,
Born:: September 16, 1921, Newark, Ohio Jazz Singer Jon Hendricks â Background : One of fifteen children,
Kate McGarry Interview
Interview with jazz singer Kate McGarry.
Interview with jazz singer Kate McGarry.
Antonio Sanchez Interview
Interview with drummer Antonio Sanchez
Interview with drummer Antonio Sanchez
Avishai Coehn Introducing Triveni
Trumpeter Avishai Cohen draws attention to his melodic prowess on his album Introducing Triveni . Joined
Trumpeter Avishai Cohen draws attention to his melodic prowess on his album Introducing Triveni . Joined
Chris Potter Ultrahang
Chris Potter Undergroundâs Ultrahang is simultaneously pleasing and disappointing. Pleasing because saxophonist
Chris Potter Undergroundâs Ultrahang is simultaneously pleasing and disappointing. Pleasing because saxophonist
Vijay Iyer Solo
Pianist Vijay Iyer, whose trio album Historicity made my list of Favorite Albums of 2009 , presents works
Pianist Vijay Iyer, whose trio album Historicity made my list of Favorite Albums of 2009 , presents works
Sheila Jordan Winter Sunshine
Review of Sheila Jordan's Winter Sunshine
Review of Sheila Jordan's Winter Sunshine
Roy Haynes
Artist profile of jazz drummer Roy Haynes.
Artist profile of jazz drummer Roy Haynes.
Bridge
The bridge is a middle section in a jazz tune's form.
The bridge is a middle section in a jazz tune's form.
Cool Jazz
Cool Jazz was a subdued and cerebral offshoot of bebop.
Cool Jazz was a subdued and cerebral offshoot of bebop.
Becca Stevens Weightless
A review of vocalist Becca Stevens' album 'Weightless.'
A review of vocalist Becca Stevens' album 'Weightless.'
Ben Wendel Frame
A review of saxophonist Ben Wendel's album 'Frame.'
A review of saxophonist Ben Wendel's album 'Frame.'
Valentines Day Depressing Song
A list of depressing jazz songs, for those who aren't feeling cheerful and full of love on Valentine's Day.
A list of depressing jazz songs, for those who aren't feeling cheerful and full of love on Valentine's Day.
Aaron Parks - 'Invisible Cinem
Review of Aaron Parks' Invisible Cinema
Review of Aaron Parks' Invisible Cinema
Al Jarreau
A biography of jazz singer Al Jarreau, whose style draws from his jazz and pop music sensibilities.
A biography of jazz singer Al Jarreau, whose style draws from his jazz and pop music sensibilities.
Steve Davis
Review of trombonist Steve Davis' performance at Smalls Jazz Club in Manhattan's Greenwich Village on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010.
Review of trombonist Steve Davis' performance at Smalls Jazz Club in Manhattan's Greenwich Village on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010.
Brooklyn Babylon
A review of 'Brooklyn Babylon,' composer Darcy James Argue's collaboration with visual artist Danijel Zezelj.
A review of 'Brooklyn Babylon,' composer Darcy James Argue's collaboration with visual artist Danijel Zezelj.
Aaron goldberg Home
Review of pianist Aaron Goldberg's album 'Home.'
Review of pianist Aaron Goldberg's album 'Home.'
Douglas Detrick
A brief introduction to Douglas Detrick, guest author at Jazz.about.com.
A brief introduction to Douglas Detrick, guest author at Jazz.about.com.
Duke Ellington Jazz Fest
Read my review of the first full night of Washington, D.C.'s fourth annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, featuring performances by the W.E.S. Group, Step Afrika!, Luis Faife, Benito Gonzalez, Corcoran Holt, and Nasar Abadey.
Read my review of the first full night of Washington, D.C.'s fourth annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, featuring performances by the W.E.S. Group, Step Afrika!, Luis Faife, Benito Gonzalez, Corcoran Holt, and Nasar Abadey.
Sonny Rollins
Artist profile of jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
Artist profile of jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
Ostinato
: A short rhythmic or melodic phrase that is repeated throughout a section of or an entire piece of music,
: A short rhythmic or melodic phrase that is repeated throughout a section of or an entire piece of music,
Ben Webster bio
A biography of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster
A biography of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster
Michael Buble Crazy Love
Album review of 'Crazy Love' by jazz singer Michael Buble.
Album review of 'Crazy Love' by jazz singer Michael Buble.
Wayne Shorter at Carnegie Hall
Review of the Wayne Shorter Quartet at Carnegie Hall, featuring the Imani Winds
Review of the Wayne Shorter Quartet at Carnegie Hall, featuring the Imani Winds
Guillermo Klein Carrera
A review of 'Carrera' by Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos.
A review of 'Carrera' by Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos.
piano roll
The piano roll was an early form of music storage.
The piano roll was an early form of music storage.
Village Vanguard
Description of the Village Vanguard jazz club.
Description of the Village Vanguard jazz club.
Steve Coleman Harvesting Semblances and Affinities
A review of Steve Coleman and Five Elements' 'Harvesting Semblances and Affinities.'
A review of Steve Coleman and Five Elements' 'Harvesting Semblances and Affinities.'
New Orleans Jazz Festival
Profile of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Profile of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Maria Neckam Unison
Douglas Detrick reviews vocalist Maria Neckam's album 'Unison'
Douglas Detrick reviews vocalist Maria Neckam's album 'Unison'
John Hollenbeck Eternal Interl
Review of 'Eternal Interlude' by the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble
Review of 'Eternal Interlude' by the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble