Barber performed with her stunning quartet, which includes longtime bassist Michael Arnopol, guitarist Neal Alger and drummer...

In the whole scheme of what smooth jazz should be about, the subject is a hotly debated topic of discussion. Traditionalists will tell you that the music is nothing more than instrumental pop. Smooth jazz enthusiasts insist that this is jazz filled with a contemporary flavor, music that crosses demographic lines. Nowadays, radio stations having this type of format...

Individuals who adopt worthy causes in support of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised people in society have a very difficult endeavor, especially when attempting to rise above other organizations trying to achieve the same objectives. Often times, the overall approach becomes easier when a celebrity or person of note becomes involved to garner support for a given charity. That is...

George Benson is one of the most successful performers in contemporary jazz, a fine singer and exceptional guitarist. In over forty years of professional playing, Benson has enjoyed all but unprecedented popular success for such an accomplished jazz performer. So much so that seeing him live in person and hearing him play his hits, you can't help but be impressed...

The 1st Annual Toronto Independent Music Awards, known as the TIMA’s, took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. It was hosted by Josie Dye of The Edge/102 FM. This diversified music extravaganza was held at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. In August 2005, the Rolling Stones performed a surprise concert at the Phoenix, prior to their...

The inherent quality of these characteristics were expressed intensely, energetically and with determination when tiny Mr. Bang stood with...

The Marsalis family deserves its notoriety as a jazz dynasty.  The four sons of the fine New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis represent a great generation of jazz musicians.  But while they may have a fair claim as the first family of jazz, they aren't the music's first great family.  Long before Wynton & Branford Marsalis made their mark as...

The tour supporting "That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays The Music of Ray Charles" is sort of a full circle journey for guitarist Scofield, as he's played the music since he was a child. And though Scofield has always been a soul/funk/blues aficionado, this is his first tribute effort of this kind and it is a classic. Some music...

Improvised music is the music to which I am beholden. Beholden, because all I have heard has bolstered my inner self, has reminded me that I am alive, has taught me that the creative process extends beyond the immediate result. The process is the key. Those moments when the music touches me are glorious renewing moments. Like being in...

Petula Clark, iconic pop singing star of the mid-1960s, made a special appearance, performing at the Hummingbird Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on the night of Monday, July 12, 2004. For some attending this great concert, it was a chance to relive memories of their youth, when life was simpler, definitely less expensive, and in some respects a lot...

And the note came from Peter Brőtzmann’s bass clarinet----the note seared the...

Whether your taste is mainstream or cutting edge, contemporary or the blues, small groups or large bands, you can take your choice. In addition, you can hear a famous jazz veteran or check out up-and-coming young talent. They are all there to be...

Call it “the people’s alternative concert space,” even if it is at a chain store. Many Borders stores host not only touring authors, but also touring singers & players from time to time. Best part is: “it don’t cost nothing.” This particular Borders in Chicago, the relatively new uptown store, played host to the outstandingly talented Brazilian singer/guitarist/songwriter Badi...

Musically speaking, Joe Sample stands as one of the most consistent and significant artists in jazz today. During his 45 years, first as a Jazz Crusader and then as a solo musician, Joe’s contributions to jazz are widely known and he has become a cultural icon amongst his fans and peers alike. His world-class prominence as one of the...

Like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Eldar Djanjirov lives up to and exceeds the hype, which means that it isn’t hype but the improbable truth. Why improbable? Because, few - if any, pianists can play with the speed that Eldar can. Fewer still can play nuanced, emotion packed music at that speed. And no one living has put it...

In her debut solo performance held at the Notorious Café (notoriousbar.com.ar), Paula Shocran sat at the piano with confidence in the air and a bottle of water at her feet – which she sipped from frequently.  Her playing, like life was unpredictable. The style was at first without structure, like raw feelings being displayed through her instrument. Whether it...

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