What would it take for you to consider yourself “successful?” When do you think you will finally “arrive?” Is success a destination, or simply a journey? What is your measure of a “successful” life? Pianist Ahmad Jamal has seen and…
Category: Interviews
CHICK COREA : FURTHER EXPLORATIONS OF THE CONTINENTS
If you want to do a history of post modern jazz, an easy way might be to simply follow the career and six degrees of separation of pianist Chick Corea. Initially working as a sideman with Stan Getz, Willie Bobo,…
A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH ARTHUR BLYTHE
At one time, Arthur Blythe was part of the Columbia machine (not unlike the Miramax machine, how else do you explain the Gangs of New York phenomenon). Then trends took precedent over music and a young Wynton over a middle-aged…
A FIRESIDE CHAT WITH AMIRI BARAKA
Amiri Baraka is one of the most influential Afro-American writers of my generation. Baraka’s Blues People: Negro Music in White America, Black Music, Digging: The Afro-American Soul of American Classical Music, and his countless poems and essays (available www.amiribaraka.com) are…
FIRESIDE CHAT WITH: RONALD SHANNON JACKSON
I am not certain about many things outside of politics, having worked for various Congressman through my short lifetime. But I am certain that Ronald Shannon Jackson should be all over the place, playing, recording, and doing what it is…