See Igmar Thomas at Rockwood Music Hall Free Tonight
Returning from touring with Esperanza Spalding on the Radio Music Society tour, trumpet extraordinaire (and Revive Big Band leader) Igmar Thomas has been playing a few spot gigs around NYC. Tonight will feature him with keyboardist Yuki Hirano, drummer Justin Tyson, and guest emcee Raydar Ellis. These gigs are always fire and tonight it’s free!
Gregory Porter Signs With Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records has announced that they signed singer-phenom Gregory Porter for his major label debut.
ERIMAJ & Fabian Almazan at Harlem Stage 5/8/13
Tomorrow night (5/8/13), Harlem Stage is presenting an exciting double bill featuring ERIMAJ and Fabian Almazan as a part of the 2013 annual Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival. While ERIMAJ continues to intrigue fans with dynamic performances and original compositions from their recent Conflict of a Man, pianist Fabian Almazan will be debuting a special project with strings.
Full Audio: José James ft. Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest
We’ve long been singing the praises of the the live band José James has out together, but this is just on another level. James and crew headed out to Amsterdam to team up with Amsterdam’s Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest (The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) for a performance captured by Het Radio 4 Concerthuis.
Jesse Fischer Pays Homage to ATCQ with “Award Tour (Brooklyn Dub Remix)”
Now, the ObliquSound recording artist is adding remixer to his resume as he tips his hat to one of his biggest influences, A Tribe Called Quest. In celebration of the 20th anniversary (wow!) of their classic LP Midnight Marauders, Fischer gives Tribe’s hit single “Award Tour” a dubstep makeover that fuses cryptic electric psychedelics with ATCQ’s signature sunshine.
FlyLo + Thundercat Take Over the World?
In the past week or so there has been a lot of information leaking from the Brainfeeder camp concerning Thundercat and Flying Lotus. Here are a few of the most exciting tidbits of information.
Happy 91st Charles Mingus!
Today would have been Charles Mingus’ 91st Birthday and as such we’re going to celebrate one of his most pivotal albums and the drummer whose rapport with Mingus helped to define the style and feel of the record with the man who most certainly goes down in history as one of the greatest bassists, composers, and bandleaders of all time. Drummer Dannie Richmond joined Mingus at the young age of 20.
Marco Polo f/ Talib Kweli & DJ Premier “G.U.R.U.”
Today, 4/19/13, marks three years since we tragically lost Keith Elam, better known as GURU (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal). The mast lyricist left behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and experimentation among his many other gifts. Whether contributing his raspy voice to the production of DJ Premier in Gang Starr or fusing his vocal abilities with jazz instrumentals through his own Jazzmatazz projects, G.U.R.U. always pushed the boundaries. In honor of the day, we’ve got a brand new track in honor of GURU by way of Marco Polo, Talib Kweli, and DJ Premier.
Macklemore & Owuor Arunga Jazz Sessions
Of course we all know Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) from his duo with Ryan Lewis that has produced the off-kilter hip-hop hit “Thrift Shop” last year, but did you know that he had some serious jazz chops as well? Teaming up with his touring trumpet player, Owuor Arunga, Macklemore dropped a video on Youtube entitled “Jazz Sessions: Volume 1,” recorded in some off time spent in Boston.
Thundercat Drops “Heartbreaks + Setbacks” from Forthcoming Apocalypse
We heard Thundercat was finishing up his followup to The Golden Age of Apocalypse and now we’ve got the proof with the first single off of the new record entitled Apocalypse (out July 9th 2013 on Brainfeeder). Executive produced by his brother-in-music Flying Lotus, the first track, “Heartbreaks + Setbacks.”
Happy 73rd Herbie Hancock
Happy 73rd Birthday to the one and only Herbie Hancock! Check out some photos from throughout Herbie’s career below and be sure to spread the word and tell us about the most influential recording Herbie has made in your opinion!
Derrick Hodge’s Blue Note Solo Debut Announced!
Derrick Hodge — one of the preeminent bassists, composers, and artists of our time — has officially announced a release date for his solo debut on Blue Note Records entitled Live Today. On August 6, 2013 Hodge will release the fruits of his recording sessions featuring special guests Common, Robert Glasper, Alan Hampton, and more!
Marcus Baylor – Gator Cases Giveaway
Marcus Baylor has teamed up with one of his sponsors, Gator Cases, to put together a drummer giveaway! The Grand Prize Winner will receive: a Gator GP-PC302 Cymbal Case (Your Choice of Color) , an Artist Series Stick Bag, and (1) Pair of Marcus Baylor Signature Pro-Mark Sticks.The Runner Up will recieve: an Artist Series Stick Bag and (1) Pair of Marcus Baylor Signature Pro-Mark Sticks.
Kelly*Jones & The Lesson at Arlene’s Grocery Tonight
Kelly*Jones has been making waves in the R&B and live music circles for a while now, most recently sharing the stage with Reggie Watts at Arlene’s Grocery and opening for Marsha Ambrosius in January at S.O.B.’s, both of whom consider themselves fans of Kelly’s music. With her single, “The Alphabet Song,” making the rounds online it is time for her to bring the heat live for all of her fans.
Funk Archaeology: Egon on Modal Jazz
In the latest edition of Funk Archaeology, Egon — famed record collector and founder of Now Again — explains how modal jazz once again came to the attention of diggers around the world.
2013 JJA Nominees Announced
The 2013 Jazz Journalists Association Nominees have been announced and it is an intriguing mix of musicians both generationally and geographically. Check out their nominees and be sure to tune in to see who gets the award on May 1st!
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Builds Support for 2 Records
Miguel Atwood-Ferguson is one of the premier musicians, orchestrators, arrangers, and composers of our time undoubtedly. Blending his influences which range from J Dilla to Chopin, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and beyond has differentiated him as an artist who strongly represents the here and now. Luckily for us, the here and now for Miguel is recording both his debut solo record on Brainfeeder, Les Jardins Mystiques, as well as a string quartet record of cinematic improvisations entitled Quartetto Fantastico.
Sly5thave x No Games “Jazz With Wire”
“An instrumental collaboration between No Games and Sly5thave. The result blurs the genre boumdaries between hip hop, jazz…” the track reads. Press play and you’re immediately drawn into a world reminiscent of Guru’s Jazzmatazz of Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, but with a twist that very much their own.
ELEW Joins Lil’ Wayne for “IANAHB”
Jazz-pianist-Eric-Lewis-turned-RockJazz-force-ELEW has shot the world a message by joining forces with preeminent rapper Lil’ Wayne on the opening track to his new record I Am Not A Human Being II. The New Jersey native defines the track with his production and pianistic-virtuosity.
Jaleel Shaw Releases The Soundtrack Of Things To Come
One of the most talented saxophonists on the scene today, Jaleel Shaw, has released a new record on his very own Changu Records entitled The Soundtrack of Things to Come. The most incredible part is that Shaw self-financed the entire record and everything involved from money he saved. Though the state of the music business is dismal, it is incredibly exciting to see musicians and bandleaders like Jaleel taking matters into their own hands and continuing to take the music to the next level.
Talib Kweli + Live Band at Brooklyn Bowl Next Week
Talib Kweli is one of the most respected rappers alive, so it is extremely fitting for him to have one of the dopest live bands to grace the hip-hop medium. This Sunday and Monday (3/17-3/18), Kweli and his band will be hitting at Brooklyn Bowl for his hometown crowd. Opening for them will be respected producer Cory-Mo out of Houston, Texas.
Dr. James “Buster” Brown Centennial Celebration Planned
There has long been a marriage of sorts between jazz music and tap dancing. There’s just something about the two that seem to fit together so well and moreover, anything that encourages you move to the beat is something we’re going to support, especially with jazz music. In the tapping realm, there are few more respected than Dr. James “Buster” Brown and on May 17th, 2013 he would have turned 100 years old. This event, orchestrated by renowned New York tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman, will be a celebration of his life.
SXSW Panel: Miles Davis Bootleg 2: The Lost Quintet
SXSW 2013 will be an exciting year for jazz aficionados with more and more live music and jazz being represented, honored, performed, and discussed. Among the exciting features is a panel entitled “Miles Davis Bootleg 2: The Lost Quintet” which will discuss Davis’ 1969 live lineup that toured Europe and the subsequent box set releases of this year as well as their significance.
Las Supper (Big Daddy Kane ft. Lifted Crew & Showtyme) To Perform the Blue Note
Brand new super group Las Supper is set to perform at the Blue Note on March 11th with sets at 8pm and 10:30pm. One of the most respected figures in hip-hop artistry, Big Daddy Kane has joined forces with a soulful voice (Showtyme) and a live band (Lifted Crew) to create what is sure to become a legendary collaboration. The show is in anticipation of their upcoming record, Back to the Future.
