The New York style jazz clubs of yesteryear often hold a sweet, nostalgic memory in the hearts of fans. We envision a dark place filled with swirling smoke and mysterious strangers chattering against a backdrop of bebop.  Although modern life has altered the landscape of the music and the city, the mystique of these historical venues remains.

With the decline of the contemporary jazz market in the US, you’d expect that recording artists would feel the pressure to follow prescribed trends. After all, part of the survival game has always involved releasing formulated “radio friendly” material.  However, there have always been a few brave visionaries who prefer to define the rules of the game. Welcome to the world of Acoustic Alchemy, who have just released their 18th CD, Roseland.

Have you ever dreamed of vacationing with your favorite jazz artists? From The Jazz Cruise to the Catalina Island Jazz festival, a jazz-themed vacation can be an enjoyable experience.

Whether you are attending a locally-based concert or a large national production, festivals play an important role in our jazz community. Although often not as intimate as a jazz club, they provide a place for both musician and the listener to come together as one.

The Jazz Review asked funk saxophonist Donn Bynum to share with us his favorite portable listening device.  For fans of Motown, Bynum has toured with mega names to include the Commodores, Bootsy Collins and Brothers Johnson.  From vinyl to digital, Bynum has witnessed the changing face of music today.