Even though alto saxophonist Vincent Herring tours Europe a lot, it was in early 2014 in New York when I last saw him. He was accompanying the brilliant vocalist Paulette McWilliams. Ever since his stints with Nat Adderley (for six years) and Cedar Walton (for over 20 years), he has clearly found a sound of…
London-based soul singer Kwabs is actually from Ghana and his real name is Kwabena Sarkodee Adjepong. He studied Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music in London and was part of a reality TV show. And then a few years ago he uploaded a video on youtube with his version of Corinne Bailey Rae‘s hit song…
The last time the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute Competition focused on vocals was back in 2010. The three winners were Cécile McLorin Salvant, Charnée Wade, and Cyrille Aimée. All three of them are now having an international career, with Cécile just recently playing the Berlin Jazzfest. Among the judges five years ago were Patti Austin,…
About a year after I moved to Berlin, in 1992, an intoxicating and haunting record made the rounds which was played in the derelict, fucked-up clubs of the changing and explosive Berlin. I soon added it to my DJ set as well of course. Up to this day, this particular song hasn’t lost any of…
Good morn or evening friends Here’s your friendly announcer I have serious news to pass on to every-body What I’m about to say Could mean the world’s disaster Could change your joy and laughter to tears and pain It’s that Love’s in need of love today Don’t delay Send yours in right away Hate’s goin’…
It is always a great pleasure to listen to a new album from Montreal-based singer Susie Arioli. Her warm sound which comforts you like a satin cushion is complemented this time around by the imaginative arrangements of pianist and vibraphonist Don Thompson. Also on board: a five-piece brass section and her regular rhythm group guys. Susie…
The 10-day London Jazz Festival was supposed to feature Allen Toussaint on a double bill with Theo Croker at the Barbican this Sunday, but as you all know by now, the great Mr. Toussaint died on Monday night after appearing at a concert in Madrid. He had a heart attack. He was 77. I’m glad that…
The young Norwegian saxophonist and composer released her two-CD debut on ECM. And the two CDs reveal an amazingly mature and fragile, intensive and deep output which is divided into trio recordings with Johan Lindvall on piano and Katrine Schiott on violoncello on the first disc and a thirteen-piece ensemble on her sinfonietta on disc…
The iconic jazz, soul, and funk pioneer Lonnie Liston Smith, who will celebrate his 75th birthday in late December, is coming to London. With his signature keyboard sound and tons of classic albums in tow, this is surely one of the hottest tickets this month. Lonnie has worked with and written for Pharoah Sanders, Gato…
Pianist and composer Achim Kaufmann is the recipient of this year’s Albert Mangelsdorff Award which was given to him during a little ceremony at this year’s Jazzfest Berlin on Friday afternoon. The pianist, who has studied at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada, visited Gina’s place a couple of months ago for a little interview….