Even if you aren’t particularly familiar with Joe Zawinul, it would be a surprise if you haven’t heard his music somewhere at some point. A hugely influential jazz musician, the Austrian keyboardist played a critical role in the development of jazz fusion throughout the 1970s and 80s. In this article, we’ll take a look at …
As part of our deep dive into one of the most important bands in UK jazz history, writer Ian Mann takes a look at 8 iconic British jazz artists recorded by members of Loose Tubes. Stay tuned until the end for his dedication to a star drummer on the London scene who passed away recently …
The British jazz scene has long provided a rich and varied collection of music and, in this featured article, writer Ian Mann dives into the legacy of iconic group Loose Tubes. The 1980s witnessed something of a ‘jazz renaissance’ in the UK with the emergence of artists such as the saxophonists Courtney Pine, Andy Sheppard, …
As the undisputed “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson’s songs might seem an unlikely source of inspiration for jazz musicians. Yet, beneath the surface of his polished pop anthems lies a wealth of material that jazz artists have explored, reimagined, and transformed for decades. Producer Quincy Jones worked with Jackson on his solo album Off The …
Trumpeter Clifford Brown, affectionately known as “Brownie,” was one of the brightest talents in jazz before his life was tragically cut short at just 25. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he wasn’t a victim of the stereotypical “jazz life” – Brownie famously avoided drugs and alcohol. Instead, he was taken in a car accident on …
There is a strong case for elevating June Christy into the very top echelon of iconic jazz singers alongside Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald. Quite why this has never happened is a mystery, as the evidence to support this claim is readily available in Christy’s recorded legacy. Perhaps because her style was never …
With her light and airy vocals, delicate piano style and famous wit on stage, it’s no wonder that Blossom Dearie was a club favourite – not to mention something of a ‘musician’s musician’. But scratch below the surface and we discover the stories that made up an artist whose place in the history of jazz …
New York’s JazzFest Gallery have shared a super collection of limited edition prints, which are inspired by some of the greatest artists and album covers of the mid-20th Century. From Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to John Coltrane and Count Basie, here are a few of our favourites..! You can click through on any of …
Aside from being one of the most inventive musicians of all time, Charlie Parker was known for his quick sense of humour. In one of only two pieces of video footage known to exist of Bird, he’s seen laughing as Coleman Hawkins attempts to mime to a pre-recorded solo. As the clip comes to an …
Lost – or simply ‘put away and forgotten’ – there have been a wealth of jazz albums unearthed in recent years. For many jazz fans, the idea that the best musicians in jazz history are reaching back from the grave to give us new music, is cause for major excitement! And, whether or not they …