Red Garland is one of a few pianists whose style is instantly recognizable to fans of mainstream jazz. Thelonius Monk and Errol Garner are two others who come to mind.It…

If you like jazz and you like to take a cruise, there is nothing better than taking the Jazz Party at Sea on Norwegian Cruise Line. My wife and I agreed, so we signed on the fourth annual party on the Norwegian Sun, which left Miami this October for a week's cruise of the Western Caribbean. This fall's cruise honored the 100th birthday of tenor sax great Coleman Hawkins with a stellar lineup of saxophonists to pay tribute, including Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, Lou Donaldson, David "Fathead …

Since migrating from Brazil to America’s jazz scene in the 60s, bossa nova has been one of my favorite styles. I bought my first bossa LP in 1962, "Jazz Samba," featuring tenor Stan Getz and guitarist Charlie Byrd playing compositions by innovators such as Antonio Carlos Jobim (pictured above) and Joao Gilberto. "Desafinado" was the big hit and the album skyrocketed to popularity, becoming one of the best sellers in jazz history. This was followed in 1964 with the collaboration between Getz a …

With an appetizing array of over 500 artists appearing on 7 stages for 3 nights and 2 days of nonstop jazz, the 48th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival Presented by MCI offers fans a taste to please every palette. From reunions reflecting its storied past to today's "New Grooves", from MJF debuts of vocal masters like Tony Bennett to Madeleine Peyroux, from the world premiere of commissioned music to the Festival premiere of its Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, the world's longest running jazz fest …

Labor Day heralds the beginning of an eventful season of jazz for Orange County fans. Kicking things off, the 11th Annual West Coast Jazz Party is slated September 1 through 4, during the holiday weekend at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. A Tribute to Lionel Hampton and an All Star Boss Nova Spectacular head the list of the party’s attractions, along with a group of the world’s top musicians, scheduled to play afternoon and evening concerts. As well, players will be on board the H …