One More Blue Nightmare: Aram Bajakian’s Back Again (with the album of the year)
Sean MurphyWhat has Aram Bajakian been up to since the release of his remarkable debut, Kef, in 2011? Not much. He’s been on the road with both Lou Reed (RIP) and…
The Intersection of Art & Innovation, cont’d: Another Conversation with Aram Bajakian
Today we wrapped round two of what I hope will be an ongoing conversation. Aram and I discussed what he's learned by producing, and promoting, his first truly independent release…
Whispered Words*
How long will it take? I did not ask, because I wanted to make every second count. It would be over quickly enough; it was already happening entirely too soon.…
Jon Madof and Zion80 Are Making World Music for a New World
At a concert in New York City a few months ago I saw two things I’d never witnessed before. The first was a group of Jewish jazz musicians playing Afrobeat.…
My Kind of Christmas Music (Revisited)
Tchaikovsky Corelli Bach A few from John Fahey The Who Chuck Berry a three-fer from Jethro Tull! Sonny Boy The Godfather Donny Satchmo Ella! (An embarrassment of riches here, here,…
Notes From the Underground: Two New Joints From Jamie Saft
Every day, Jamie Saft becomes more like his mentor, the indefatigable—and incomparable—John Zorn. Like Zorn, he is ludicrously productive, aesthetically audacious and churns out albums that are as amazing as…
The Story of My Life
Let me tell you a story. Last week, Jason Herskowitz joined me for a Google Hangout, and we discussed the rapidly changing music industry. The issue at hand was whether…
10 for NYC by 10, on 9/11
New York City would be unimaginable without jazz, and vice versa. Here then is a tribute for --and by-- several musicians who help define and celebrate the cultural mecca of…
Thoughts on the Olympics, Improvisation and Jay Adams (Revisited)
The Olympics, particularly the two most popular sports from each season—the gymnastics and figure skating—sells itself, accurately, as an embodiment of competition and tension, complete with a touch of voyeurism.…
Beauty is a Rare Thing: Celebrating International Jazz Day (Revisited)
All hope is not lost. At least enough people are still making --and listening to-- jazz that we can even attempt to initiate what hopefully becomes an ongoing occasion. In…