Unlike the structured precision of a piano-driven quartet, saxophone-guitar albums thrive on spontaneity. Imagine a smoky jazz club where the deep, soulful wail of a saxophone weaves effortlessly with ...
Anytime a discussion of jazz saxophone takes place, a handful of names invariably crop up, even from those only vaguely familiar with the form. And there’s a good reason for that: While there have ...
Invented in the early 1840s, the saxophone was a relative latecomer to music—and to jazz. But starting in the mid-1920s, with the rise of the big bands, the instrument slowly but steadily evolved from ...
Zoot Sims, left, and Al Cohn performing on stage. Al Cohn, circa 1980. Saxophonist John 'Zoot' Sims on break at WTTW Studios during a taping of the show Soundstage in Chicago, Nov. 26, 1979. Harry ...
Jim Clark's latest music presentation program, "Ten Greatest African American Jazz Saxophonists," celebrates the contributions of legends like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Lester ...
In the beginning, there was Coleman Hawkins. Coleman Hawkins begat Ben Webster. And Ben Webster begat Lester Young, and Lester Young begat Charlie Parker. And Charlie Parker begat Dexter Gordon, and ...
In deference to the ways of the world, the London Jazz Festival might have cannily foregrounded pop-oriented singers in its opening days – but the real star has been that most voice-like of jazz ...
The best thing that ever happened to Reggie Codrington was getting kicked out of jazz band. Recruited while still in middle school, Codrington joined the jazz band at E.E. Smith High School in ...
Star saxophonist Courtney Pine's new album Transition in Tradition is dedicated to Sidney Bechet – a New Orleans jazz pioneer who died half a century ago. His name is probably unknown to music lovers ...