Discover the albums, musicians, and stories that shaped jazz.

★ This Week’s Feature

Smithonian what is jazz

What Is Jazz? The Smithsonian Weighs In

Some questions refuse to stay answered. Ask ten jazz musicians “what is jazz” is and you’ll get ten different answers — delivered, more often than not, with complete conviction. Ask ten scholars and you’ll get a debate. Ask Louis Armstrong and he’ll tell you that…

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Before Gil Scott-Heron Changed Music, His Father Made Celtic F.C. History

Before Gil Scott-Heron Changed Music, His Father Made Celtic F.C. History

Most people know Gil Scott-Heron as the writer of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, the…

Louis Armstrong and “Basin Street Blues”

Louis Armstrong and “Basin Street Blues”

How many people can do the same job for 36 years and still approach it with…

This Week’s Editor’s Picks

Sonny Rollins: Last Man Standing

In early 2025, jazz saxophone great Sonny Rollins sat down with journalist Justin Richmond for the Broken Record podcast. He was…

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The Day Miles Davis Tried to Hire Ron Carter…

When Miles Davis asked Ron Carter to join his band in 1963, Carter did not react like someone being handed the…

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Nina Simone Albums: From Jazz Standards to Protest, Blues, and Exile

The first Nina Simone album already contained more than one musical life.Released in 1959 as Little Girl Blue, it introduced a…

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Start Exploring Jazzfuel

Curated paths through jazz’s greatest music and stories…

Jazz music may have existed for only a little over a century, but its history is rich and varied. Jazzfuel is built for people who care about the music — and the stories behind it.

From forgotten pioneers to modern classics, we explore the albums, artists, and moments that shaped jazz.

Whether you’re a total newcomer or have been listening for decades, you’ll find something here which catches your ear.

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About Jazzfuel

Jazzfuel was launched in 2016 by European booking agent Matt Fripp as a way to share tips and resources with independent jazz musicians.

It’s evolved into a team of writers and music industry specialists who aim to produce the best content for fans around the world, as well as continuing to support pro jazz musicians with publicity, education and career coaching.

Matt Fripp (about)