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.
Ten Bebop Musicians
A list of ten founders of bebop.
A list of ten founders of bebop.
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.
Jazz Instruments
A photo gallery featuring the instruments typically used in jazz music.
A photo gallery featuring the instruments typically used in jazz music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jazz By Decade: 1900-1910
A look at jazz from 1900-1910.
A look at jazz from 1900-1910.
Jazz History Saxophone
A brief history of saxophonists in jazz.
A brief history of saxophonists in jazz.
Five Legends of Latin Jazz
Five of the most important Latin Jazz musicians.
Five of the most important Latin Jazz musicians.
Louis Armstrong
Profile of trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Profile of trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
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
An Introduction to Jazz Music
A brief history of jazz music.
A brief history of jazz music.
Hot Jazz
Hot jazz was an early style popularized by Louis Armstrong.
Hot jazz was an early style popularized by Louis Armstrong.
Jazz By Decade: 1920-1930
A look at jazz between 1920 and 1930.
A look at jazz between 1920 and 1930.
Biography of Charlie Parker
Profile of Alto Saxophonist Charlie Parker
Profile of Alto Saxophonist Charlie Parker
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.
Guillermo Klein Carrera
A review of 'Carrera' by Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos.
A review of 'Carrera' by Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos.
Jazz By Decade 1950
A brief history of jazz between 1950 and 1960.
A brief history of jazz between 1950 and 1960.
Duke Ellington
Profile of pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington.
Profile of pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington.
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.
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.
Dizzy Gillespie Biogrpahy
Profile of Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie
Profile of Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie
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.
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.
Bix Beiderbecke
Profile of Cornetist Bix Beiderbecke.
Profile of Cornetist Bix Beiderbecke.
Ella Fitzgerald
Artist Profile of Jazz Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Artist Profile of Jazz Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald
Billie Holiday
Profile of jazz singer Billie Holiday.
Profile of jazz singer Billie Holiday.
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.
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.
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.
Valentines Day Love Songs
Five classic jazz songs about love:
Five classic jazz songs about love:
John Coltrane, Tenor Saxophone
Profile of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane
Profile of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane
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.
Blue Train John Coltrane
Review of 'Blue Train' by John Coltrane.
Review of 'Blue Train' by John Coltrane.
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.
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.
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
Miles Davis - Trumpet
Profile of trumpeter Miles Davis
Profile of trumpeter Miles Davis
Subconscious-Lee
Review of saxophonist Lee Konitz' album 'Subconscious-Lee.'
Review of saxophonist Lee Konitz' album 'Subconscious-Lee.'
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.
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
Latin Jazz Bandleader Machito
Profile of Latin jazz bandleader Machito.
Profile of Latin jazz bandleader Machito.
scat singing
Scat singing is a style of vocal jazz.
Scat singing is a style of vocal jazz.
Charles Mingus
Profile of jazz bassist Charles Mingus.
Profile of jazz bassist Charles Mingus.
Jazz Drummer Max Roach
Profile of Jazz Drummer Max Roach.
Profile of Jazz Drummer Max Roach.
Johnny Hartman
Artist profile of jazz singer Johnny Hartman.
Artist profile of jazz singer Johnny Hartman.
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.
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.
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
Kneebody at Littlefield
A review of Kneebody's residency at Littlefield in Brooklyn, April 11 - 15, 2012.
A review of Kneebody's residency at Littlefield in Brooklyn, April 11 - 15, 2012.
Mario Bauza
Profile of Trumpeter Mario Bauza
Profile of Trumpeter Mario Bauza
Fletcher Henderson
Profile of Bandleader and Arranger Fletcher Henderson
Profile of Bandleader and Arranger Fletcher Henderson
Lester Young
Artist profile of saxophonist Lester Young.
Artist profile of saxophonist Lester Young.
Ten Jazz Biographies
A list of ten biographies of legendary jazz musicians.
A list of ten biographies of legendary jazz musicians.
Cool Jazz
Cool Jazz was a subdued and cerebral offshoot of bebop.
Cool Jazz was a subdued and cerebral offshoot of bebop.
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.'
Bill Evans
Biography of jazz pianist Bill Evans.
Biography of jazz pianist Bill Evans.
James P. Johnson
Artist profile of jazz and stride pianist James P. Johnson.
Artist profile of jazz and stride pianist James P. Johnson.
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
Photo of Jazz Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa
Photo of jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa
Photo of jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa
Michael Bublé - Vocalist
Profile of Vocalist Michael Buble
Profile of Vocalist Michael Buble
Thelonious Monk
Profile of pianist Thelonious Monk.
Profile of pianist Thelonious Monk.
frank sinatra
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
Artist profile of jazz vocalist Frank Sinatra.
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.
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
Ryan Truesdell Interview
Composer and arranger Ryan Truesdell talks about the Gil Evans Project, a project that involves recording newly-discovered pieces by Gil Evans, and documenting the process on ArtistShare.
Composer and arranger Ryan Truesdell talks about the Gil Evans Project, a project that involves recording newly-discovered pieces by Gil Evans, and documenting the process on ArtistShare.
Antonio Sanchez Interview
Interview with drummer Antonio Sanchez
Interview with drummer Antonio Sanchez
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.
Hear in Now
A review of 'Hear in Now,' the album by the string trio of the same name.
A review of 'Hear in Now,' the album by the string trio of the same name.
Kurt Rosenwinkel Reflections
Album Review of Reflections by Kurt Rosenwinkel Standards Trio
Album Review of Reflections by Kurt Rosenwinkel Standards Trio
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.
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.
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
Lena Horne
A profile of jazz singer Lena Horne.
A profile of jazz singer Lena Horne.
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.
Coleman Hawkins
An artist profile of tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
An artist profile of tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
Review of Herbie Hancock's CD
Review of Herbie Hancock's River-the Joni Letters
Review of Herbie Hancock's River-the Joni Letters
Diana Krall
Profile of vocalist Diana Krall.
Profile of vocalist Diana Krall.
piano roll
The piano roll was an early form of music storage.
The piano roll was an early form of music storage.
Ornette Coleman
Artist profile of saxophonist Ornette Coleman.
Artist profile of saxophonist Ornette Coleman.
Becca Stevens Weightless
A review of vocalist Becca Stevens' album 'Weightless.'
A review of vocalist Becca Stevens' album 'Weightless.'
Chick Webb
A profile of swing drummer Chick Webb.
A profile of swing drummer Chick Webb.
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.
Photo of Jazz Saxophonist James Moody
Photo of jazz saxophonist James Moody.
Photo of jazz saxophonist James Moody.
Art Blakey
Profile of jazz drummer Art Blakey.
Profile of jazz drummer Art Blakey.
Photo of jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman.
Photo of jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman.
Photo of jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman.
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.
Freddie Hubbard
Profile of Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard
Profile of Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard
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.
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.
Ray Barretto
Profile of Latin Jazz Artist Ray Barretto
Profile of Latin Jazz Artist Ray Barretto
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.
Monty Alexander Trio
Review of Monty Alexander at the Avalon Theater in Easton Maryland, September 5th, 2009.
Review of Monty Alexander at the Avalon Theater in Easton Maryland, September 5th, 2009.
Undead Jazz Fest Interview
An interview with Adam Schatz, one of the founders of the Undead Jazz Festival.
An interview with Adam Schatz, one of the founders of the Undead Jazz Festival.
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Profile of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim
Profile of composer Antonio Carlos Jobim
Sonny Rollins
Artist profile of jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
Artist profile of jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
Greg Osby's '9 Levels'
Review of Greg Osby's 9 Levels.
Review of Greg Osby's 9 Levels.
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.
Eivind Opsvik Overseas IV
A review of bassist Eivind Opsvik's 'Overseas IV'
A review of bassist Eivind Opsvik's 'Overseas IV'
Saxophonist Charles Lloyd
Photo of jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd.
Photo of jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd.
The Green Mill Jazz Club
Information on the Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago
Information on the Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago
Kate McGarry Interview
Interview with jazz singer Kate McGarry.
Interview with jazz singer Kate McGarry.
Photo of Jazz Saxophonist Miguel Zenon
Photo of jazz saxophonist Miguel Zenon
Photo of jazz saxophonist Miguel Zenon
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.
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
Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmi
Profile of Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmieri.
Profile of Latin Jazz Pianist Eddie Palmieri.
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.
Nels Cline's Coward
Review of 'Coward' by guitarist Nels Cline.
Review of 'Coward' by guitarist Nels Cline.
Michael Buble Crazy Love
Album review of 'Crazy Love' by jazz singer Michael Buble.
Album review of 'Crazy Love' by jazz singer Michael Buble.
Harmolodics
Harmolodics is an approach coined by Ornette Coleman, and associated with avant-garde jazz.
Harmolodics is an approach coined by Ornette Coleman, and associated with avant-garde jazz.
John Hollenbeck Eternal Interl
Review of 'Eternal Interlude' by the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble
Review of 'Eternal Interlude' by the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble
Hank Jones
Profile of pianist Hank Jones
Profile of pianist Hank Jones
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.
Jazz Blogroll
A list of links to jazz music blogs.
A list of links to jazz music blogs.
HankJonesInterview
Interview with jazz pianist Hank Jones, a winner of the 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Interview with jazz pianist Hank Jones, a winner of the 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Randy Sandke
Profile of trumpeter Randy Sandke.
Profile of trumpeter Randy Sandke.
Lee Konitz Profile
Profile of alto saxophonist Lee Konitz.
Profile of alto saxophonist Lee Konitz.
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.
Marcus Roberts New Orleans Har
Review of the album 'New Orleans Meets Harlem Vol. 1' by pianist Marcus Roberts.
Review of the album 'New Orleans Meets Harlem Vol. 1' by pianist Marcus Roberts.
Ben Webster bio
A biography of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster
A biography of tenor saxophonist Ben Webster
Kate McGarry - 'If Less is Mor
Review of Kate McGarry's If Less is More, Nothing is Everything
Review of Kate McGarry's If Less is More, Nothing is Everything
Jazz Festivals Hub
A list of some jazz festivals across the country.
A list of some jazz festivals across the country.
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.
McCoy Tyner's 'Guitars'
Review of McCoy Tyner's Guitars
Review of McCoy Tyner's Guitars
2009 Best Albums
My favorite jazz albums of 2009.
My favorite jazz albums of 2009.
Miguel Zenon Alma Adentro
A review of saxophonist Miguel Zenón's 'Alma Adentro.'
A review of saxophonist Miguel Zenón's 'Alma Adentro.'
Dan Tepfer - Five Pedals Deep
A review of Dan Tepfer's 'Five Pedals Deep,' with his trio featuring drummer Ted Poor and bassist Thomas Morgan.
A review of Dan Tepfer's 'Five Pedals Deep,' with his trio featuring drummer Ted Poor and bassist Thomas Morgan.
Aaron Parks - 'Invisible Cinem
Review of Aaron Parks' Invisible Cinema
Review of Aaron Parks' Invisible Cinema
S. Rollins - Road Shows Vol. 1
Review of Sonny Rollins Road Shows Volume 1
Review of Sonny Rollins Road Shows Volume 1
Kris Davis Jazz Gallery
A review of pianist Kris Davis' set at the Jazz Gallery on February 16th, 2012
A review of pianist Kris Davis' set at the Jazz Gallery on February 16th, 2012
Photo of Jazz Saxophonist Ornette Coleman
Photo of jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman
Photo of jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman