THE BLUES IS IN EVERY PART OF AMERICAN MUSIC SINCE THE 20TH CENTURY BEGAN. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO PERIODS IN WHICH THE BLUES WAS MOST POPULAR: WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT IN THE TEENS AND TWENTIES WITH THE LIKES OF…
Category: Interviews
JOHN CLAYTON: FAMILY VALUES
It’s probably impossible to have seen a jazz concert in Los Angeles that hasn’t either had John Clayton performing, or at lease had an artist who either played with once him or has been coached by the legendary Angeleno. As…
MR. STERN’S NEIGHBORHOOD
What’s the difference between involvement and commitment? Ask a chicken and a pig; the chicken is involved with breakfast, the pig is committed to breakfast. That is essentially the difference between most artists and Mike Stern’s passion for playing with…
THE ROOT OF RANDY WESTON
Is he a pianist? Composer? Musical historian? Most likely Randy Weston is a mix of all three. His latest album, a collection of duets with tenor saxist Billy Harper summarizes Weston’s career in its title, The Roots of the Blues.…
JOE LA BARBERA: A PERFECTLY TIMED CAREER
IN ORDER TO BUILD UP APPRECIATION OF THE SURFEIT OF JAZZ TALENT IN THE CITY OF ANGELS, WE AT JAZZWEEKLY.COM ARE DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING VARIOUS LOCAL ARTISTS WHO HAVE STEADILY BUILT UP A CAREER OF PUTTING OUT SOME OF THE BEST…
GEORGE BENSON: INSPIRATION
There are few artists that transcend categories and labels. George Benson is one of those elect few. He’s been on the forefront of at least 4 major eras of modern music, starting with soul jazz in the 60s, being one…
JOHNNY RIVERS: A LIFE OF DANGER
For any recording artist, the odds ARE that you won’t live to see tomorrow. Johnny Rivers is one of the few singer/songwriters still standing from the early days of rock through the Beatles through progressive rock, punk rock, disco, and…
LALO SCHIFRIN: MISSION POSSIBLE
Is there anyone in this vast country that doesn’t have the infectious theme of the classic tv show Mission: Impossible imbedded into their psyche? Composer/musician Lalo Schifrin, best known for creating a soundtrack for Baby Boomers with themes such as…
MATT CRUSCUOLO: A SLICE OF MELANCHOLY ALTO
Jazz has a handful of its Walter Mitties, artists who, for one reason or another, have a “day job” that gives them the ability to continue on their musical paths. Most famous are Drs Denny Zeitlin (pianist) and Eddie Henderson…
THE BAD PLUS, PLUS…
One of the most difficult aspects of being a musician, or a musical group, is to develop your own unique sound. Bands like Weather Report, Return To Forever and The Yellowjackets have had loyal fans due to the fact that…