‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ Makes Tragedy Tawdry
Lee Daniels’ melodramatic mess, ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’, squanders every chance to turn Holiday from a victim into a person.
vocal jazz
Pink Martini’s China Forbes Discusses New Songs Created in the Pandemic
Despite a global pandemic and a year of difficult unrest, Pink Martini's China Forbes soldiers on with her band's sharp eye for optimism and a newfound life mission.
Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few Play It Cool
Austin's Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few perform sophisticatedly unsophisticated jazz/Americana that's perfect for these times
Kurt Elling and Danilo Pérez Prove ‘Secrets Are the Best Stories’
Kurt Elling's collaboration with pianist Danilo Pérez features impressionistic and daring playing and poetic lyrics, making it one of the highlights of a brilliant jazz vocal career.
Nat King Cole Says to ‘Straighten Up and Fly Right’
Straighten Up and Fly Right reveals Nat King Cole's talents as a pianist and bandleader.
Jazz’s Kandace Springs Pays Tribute to ‘The Women Who Raised Me’
Singer and pianist Kandace Springs tackles a dozen songs associated with her jazz vocal heroes, and the combination of simplicity and sincerity is winning.
‘Piano Duets’ Asserts Ella Fitzgerald’s Interpretive Greatness
Though called "The First Lady of Song", Ella Fitzgerald is more lauded for her spectacular vocal sound than for her interpretations of lyrics, but a new reissue should help correct that understanding of her art.
Samantha Sidley Goes “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (premiere)
Jazz vocalist Samantha Sidley gives a fabulous performance with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" ahead of her New York City residency.
Svetlana Gets “Happy” with a Pharrell Williams Cover (premiere)
Singer Svetlana brings joy and jazz to a cover of Pharrell Williams' positive pop hit "Happy".
Jazz Singer Svetlana’s Appreciation of the Silver Screen Continues With “Moonlight” (premiere)
Svetlana's acclaimed album Night at the Movies features music from some screen gems, including "Moonlight" from the 1995 film Sabrina.
Rachael & Vilray Update Swing-Era Music on Their Debut
Rachael & Vilray is an absolute reflection of the jazz era while also firmly integrating the sound and energy into the contemporary moment.
Sixty Years After ‘Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely’
This latest release of Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely only reaffirms Sinatra's reputation as the most majestic vocalist of his time.