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That's Club Harlem in West Philly, NOT Club Harlem in Atlantic City
by Richard J Salvucci
History can be a funny thing. The established story--the received wisdom--can be difficult to contest. And yet, there are subtle indications that something is not quite right. The weight of prejudice, self-interest, and or sheer inertia may stand in the way of getting things right. And material circumstances change too, especially over a lengthy period of time. Such would seem to be the story of the Club Harlem in Philadelphia, a kind of footnote to the history of jazz in ...
Continue ReadingChristian Dillingham: As It Relates To Now
by Glenn Astarita
Bassists who spearhead recordings encounter a fundamental challenge. The apparatus that anchors the ensemble remains the most difficult to position at the forefront without the result appearing as a gimmick. Christian Dillingham evades this pitfall on As It Relates To Now not through excessive technical displays, but by ensuring every choice carries weight. The double bass does not merely exist for exhibition; it governs the proceedings. The selection of a trio--comprising Dillingham, Greg Ward on alto saxophone, and ...
Continue ReadingHarold López-Nussa at Whale Theatre
by Ian Patterson
Harold López-Nussa Whale Theatre 25th Bray Jazz Festival Greystones, Ireland May 01, 2026 Whilst many of the ancient Irish traditions associated with May Day have waned, the time-honored custom of gathering with friends to make merry on first day of summer never loses its appeal. And so, the pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes of Greystones were bustling on this sunny Friday afternoon. Most, however, will have been blissfully unaware that a Cuban jazz pianist was in town.
Continue ReadingMichael Formanek: New Digs
by Glenn Astarita
Michael Formanek has never been content to anchor a bandstand and call it a career. Over decades of work--from sideman stints with Stan Getz and Joe Henderson to the long-running Thumbscrew trio with Mary Halvorson and Tomas Fujiwara--he has operated as a composer and architect, building rooms rather than merely inhabiting them. New Digs recorded over two days in jny: Torres Vedras, Portugal, stands as an ambitious project via this seven-piece trans-Atlantic ensemble shaped by a precise sonic design.
Continue ReadingBrian Citro, Meg Okura, and Dinah Washington
by Jerome Wilson
This show has a couple of detours into the world of blues and includes music by Brian Citro, Ellen Rowe, Chris Rea, Meg Okura and Dinah Washington. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Conrad Herwig “Search for Peace" from The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner (Savant) 1:10 The Interplay Jazz Orchestra “Strasbourg / St. Denis" from Bite Your Tongue ...
Continue ReadingSam Robinson: 'Chasin' the Dream'
by Jack Bowers
Chasin' the Dream is the fourth album as leader by Chicago-based trumpeter Sam Robinson who keeps chasin' his dream of success as a jazz musician and composer even while holding down a full-time gig as a middle school French teacher and trebling as a husband and father. Although that is a lot of grub to pile on anyone's plate, Robinson shows here that there is no way the jazz entrée can cause him any discomfort. In other words, ...
Continue ReadingBlack Nile, Bria Skonberg, Arturo Sandoval and an interview with Jeff Lederer and Mary LaRose
by Hobart Taylor
This week's show features an interview with Jeff Lederer and Mary LaRose about their new release in conjunction with the Wildebeest Wind Quintet, “There's A Yearnin.'" The album consists of newly resurfaced scores by Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy and Oliver Nelson with new lyrics by Mary LaRose.Playlist Host Speaks 00:00 Yazz Ahmed “Dawn Patrol" from Shinrin-Yoku (Night Time Stories) 01:06 Black Nile “Exposure" from Indigo Gardens (MASS MoCA) 08:03 Host Speaks 12:00 Angelique Kidjo} “Nadi Balance (feat. Fally ...
Continue ReadingRick Roe: Wake Up Call
by Jack Bowers
Gregg Hill writes music. Other musicians play--and record--Hill's music. Pianist Rick Roe's latest album, Wake Up Call, marks the 19th time that has happened (and the second in 2026 alone). True, Hill and Roe are both Michiganders, but that is not always the case; Hill's nearly 200 compositions have seen the light of day on albums recorded from coast to coast and beyond including several with his name in lights. Even so, it is hard to envision Hill's ...
Continue ReadingTunes released on and inspired by Record Store Day, plus International Jazz Day flavours
by Andy Crowther
Music from Cuba, Argentina and Brazil, with a sprinkling of Andalucian vibes. New sounds from Emmet Cohen, Flea, Gary Bartz, plus Record Store Day highlights from Buster Williams and Charles Tolliver. Playlist Rob Garcia's Sizzle Ensemble “Maiden Voyage" from Sizzle Ensemble (Connection Works) 00:00 Emmet Cohen “Well You Needn't" from Universal Truth (Mack Avenue) 04:59 Mark Wade Trio “Iberia" from Stages (Dot Time) 10:27 Charles Tolliver “Earl's World" from Right Now... And Then (Strata East) 19:00 Juan Pablo Torres ...
Continue ReadingBilly Hart Quartet and BlankFor.ms with Jason Moran and Marcus Gilmore at the Long Play Festival
by Paul Reynolds
Billy Hart Quartet and BkankFor.ms with Jason Moran/Marcus Gilmore Roulette Long Play Festival New York, NY May 1, 2026 It's the “most important classical music festival in New York City," according to the New York Times. Yet the programmers for the Long Play Festival in Brooklyn also have big ears. Woven between Long Play's 40-plus classical performances this year--mostly of the contemporary classical bent of Bang on a Can, the festival organizer--were a smattering of ...
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