Melissa Aldana and Lage Lund Evoke Wayne Shorter on New LP
The power of Echoes of the Inner Prophet is how Lage Lund understands and crafts textures and sonorities for Melissa Aldana’s melodic ideas and saxophone style.
blue note records
Ethan Iverson’s ‘Technically Acceptable’ Is a Riveting Journey
Ethan Iverson’s Technically Acceptable feels like a push into his future as an artist, steeped in tradition and breaking with it, too, in his refreshing way.
The Blue Note Quintet Make Musical Magic in Berkeley
All-star modern jazz collective the Blue Note Quintet hit the road to honor the classic label’s 85th anniversary by carrying the creative vibes forward.
Jenny Lewis Lets Loose on Excellent, Raw ‘Joy’all’
Jenny Lewis has never sounded like she’s had more fun making music than she does on Joy’all. It’s haunting, inspiring, and uniquely complicated.
Julian Lage and Bill Frisell Combine Abilities on ‘View With a Room’
Julian Lage’s sound has the warmth of Joe Pass, the bite of Les Paul, and the dexterity of both, as exemplified by View With a Room.
DOMi and JD BECK’s Debut Affirms Jaw-Dropping Musicianship
Under the tutelage of established artists Thundercat and Anderson Paak, DOMi & JD BECK hold their own with impressive results on Not Tight.
Immanuel Wilkins’ Second Blue Note Release Is the Real “Spiritual Jazz”
Rising star alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins pushes into revelation with his quartet and guests, making modern jazz at a peak of drama on The 7th Hand.
Drummer Johnathon Blake Is ‘Homeward Bound’
Johnathon Blake’s Blue Note debut, Homeward Bound, takes soulful jazz from the past, adds the complexity of the present with intelligence and adventure.
Bill Charlap’s Jazz Trio Elevates Tradition with Subtle Wonder
Bill Charlap is not so much leading a neo-traditionalism movement as he is playing a traditional style well—and with as much nuanced artfulness—as anyone in his generation.
Norah Jones Plays It Cool, Classic, and Timeless with ‘I Dream of Christmas’
Norah Jones’ I Dream of Christmas feels like a soothing salve on what seems like another troubled holiday season. It’s a wonderful soundtrack for the festivities.
Terence Blanchard Tips His Hat to Wayne Shorter’s on ‘Absence’
Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard tips his hat to Wayne Shorter’s past while pushing his own sound forward on Absence. It feels natural through and through.
R+R=Now’s ‘Live’ Honors the Tradition of Black American Creative Music
R+R=Now is an all-star jazz collective (Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Terrace Martin, Taylor McFerrin, and Justin Tyson) jamming live at New York’s Blue Note club. Chill and clean and modern.