We welcome Nick Lea, editor of Jazzviews.net, for a monthly column recapping some of the key releases from the UK jazz scene this April. Want to know more about any of the albums? Head to his site for the full reviews. Spring arrives in the UK with a spate of new releases that take pleasure …
In a genre full of originals, it’s perhaps fitting that one of the most unique musicians of all time – Thelonious Monk – is responsible for one of the most unusual and interesting jazz ballads ever written. In this article we dive into the story of Round Midnight, as well as pick 6 of our …
For better or worse, for many Charlie Parker epitomises the jazz life. The wayward genius whose life was marred and ultimately cut short by his addiction to narcotics. The truth as always is a little different, and with a character as strong as Parker the truth also depends on who you talk to. There have …
Jazz with strings? Yes please! Many legendary jazz musicians throughout history have been deeply interested in classical music, and the way in which it can be combined with jazz. One clear result of this is the exploration of adding string-based lineups to recordings, mixing the potency of jazz improvisation with the intricacies and lush harmony …
Whilst many styles of jazz seemingly emerged gradually, the bossa nova craze that swept America and the wider world in the mid-sixties can be traced largely to one song: The Girl From Ipanema. Written in 1962 by Antônio Carlos Jobim with Portuguese lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes, The Girl From Ipanema was originally titled ‘Menina …
One of the most famous jazz singers of all time joining forces with Duke Ellington – arguably the most important composer of the 20th Century – had all the hallmarks of an iconic jazz album. It doesn’t disappoint! The year 1956 was an important one for Ella Fitzgerald, and with the benefit of hindsight the …
From her rise to fame thanks to a friendship with Cannonball Adderley to a Grammy-winning album 6 decades later, we take a trip through 10 iconic Nancy Wilson songs which tell the story of a musical icon. Born on February 20, 1937, Nancy Wilson is one of the true original voices in music. At home …
One of the most influential pianists and composers in jazz, Duke Ellington would lead his band for nearly fifty years. His contribution to the music is immeasurable from his instantly recognisable style at the piano, to his eye for talent and ability to attract some of the leading soloists of the day to play in …
Making his name in the late 1930s with the Count Basie Orchestra, iconic jazz trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison is synonymous with the swing era, as well as a fine accompanist to singers. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 10th, 1915, young Harry faced the challenge of his parents’ separation during his infancy. Fortunately, his aunt …
Arguably one of the more niche types of jazz – and one that doesn’t fit neatly into the genre’s timeline – Electro Swing nonetheless highlights jazz’s sensibility for borrowing from other musical styles. In this guide, we find out more… Also known as “swing house”, electro swing is a genre of music that developed in …