I know that these days, everything that defies categorization is simply called Jazz. Not only in music, but in all kinds of everyday life matters. This morning, while shopping for our daily doses of Ayran in this heatwave that slows Berlin down to an enjoyable tempo, I came across an apple that was called Jazz….
August 7th would have been Rahsaan Roland Kirk‘s 80th birthday. The original and highly influential saxophonist who was probably best known for his ability to play various instruments simultaneously, is feted at San José’s 3rd Annual Rahsaanathon at Café Stritch. His biographer John Kluth will open the celebrations when he joins New York-based baritone saxophonist…
This year’s Musikfest Bremen features some interesting events again. Since 1989, this music festival which covers all kinds of genres, but mostly classical and jazz, has become increasingly popular. For the 2015 edition, here are my picks: Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant will introduce her new album “For One To Love” on September 3rd. Joining her…
The Becca Stevens Band, whose latest record “Perfect Animal” was released a couple of weeks ago, has announced a 7-date tour through Germany in September. Becca is leading a workshop in Siena, Italy, for about a week in early August and will return to Europe for the tour (see dates below). Her 10-song album is…
Jazzkeller 69 e.V. is celebrating its 44th anniversary this year here in Berlin – Treptow. The annual open-air festival Jazz an der Lohmühle continues until next weekend. It is in my old neighborhood which has become one of the hot spots in Berlin (after I moved of course!). This upcoming weekend rounds up this mostly…
This Jazz Festival has established itself as one of the hottest and well respected ones in the heart of France’s Gascogne region. Since 1978, this midsummer Festival has come up with great programming each year and the 2015 edition is no exception. The Festival starts on Monday, July 27th and runs until August 16th. There…
I just wanted to share this announcement about an evening of the compositions and the songbook of Mark Murphy in New York. The whole evening is focused on the timeless and legendary Mark as a composer and singer. There will also be a retrospective of his career and also some songs which have never been…
No, I haven’t visited the Festival this year as I have done so many times over the years, mostly during the 90s and the early 00s. But I think it is worthy of note that the 49th edition has, again, convinced the audience and the artists alike after the passing of Festival founder and head…
The Neue Heimat in Friedrichshain has established itself as one of the places to be in Berlin with its various events and the regular street food market being a big draw for the neighborhood and tourists alike. Now comes the announcement for a new Festival that will take place on the grounds of the Neue…
“Music Is Our Healing. It’s our spiritual language”, said legendary pianist Randy Weston during his duo appearance with the equally impressive Billy Harper at last night’s performance in the Madeira hall at the North Sea Jazz Festival. Randy Weston, now 89, very early in his career incorporated the rhythms of Africa, most prominently those of…