Journey into Jazz
Lee Whiteman: My Jazz Odyssey
by Lee Whiteman
Everybody has their own jazz journey, which details what attracted them to this art form. Something clicked when they were introduced to jazz. Each one of us has a unique story to tell about how they became entranced with jazz. So, without any reservations, here is my story. Being from jny: New York City, you would think that I would be introduced to jazz early in my childhood. That was not the case. My mother was an elementary ...
Continue ReadingBig Ears Gets Bigger: A Personal Perspective
by Todd Steed
Big Ears Festival Knoxville, TN March 26-29, 2026 Big Ears is growing like a well-fed wild beast. At this rate, the festival might need a “Colossal Ears" rebrand in the next few years. The expansion of venues and options can be overwhelming until you learn the festival's most profound lesson: if you try to control your own festival experience, you will fail gloriously. Big Ears, it seems, has other plans for you. Forget FOMO. There is ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day 2026 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Many vinyl enthusiasts get excited when the Record Store Day lists appear, and understandably so: most of the titles are limited-run pressings that can disappear quickly once the doors open. The only drawback, however, is that the lists can be overwhelming to sort through, often spanning multiple pages and covering releases across a wide range of genres. Record Store Day always features jazz to some degree. Sometimes there are more available titles than at other times, and Record ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day 2026 Additional Releases
by Kyle Simpler
While jazz releases are always a highlight of Record Store Day, the event's massive lists inevitably spill far beyond any single genre. With hundreds of titles announced each year, it quickly becomes clear that no guide can cover everything. The following selections step slightly outside the jazz category, but they still feel at home in a crate-digger's orbit--whether because of their improvisational spirit, historical connections, or the kind of left-field musical curiosity that many jazz listeners share. As ...
Continue ReadingRecord Store Day Black Friday 2025 Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Although the main Record Store Day event occurs every year in April, the Black Friday drop gives record collectors a chance to find some one-of-a-kind releases to wrap up the year. The list always features music from a wide range of genres, and, of course, there are plenty of jazz releases available. However, these are limited-edition releases offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking the list of available titles beforehand is always helpful, but given the number of titles, it's ...
Continue ReadingTeach A Man To Phish
by Leo Sidran
I won't bury the lede. Last week I saw Phish in concert at Forest Hills Stadium on two consecutive nights. It was a long time coming for me. Loyal listeners of my The Third Story podcast have noticed a quiet apprehension about the Phish phenomenon--or more broadly, the jam band scene--threaded through past conversations. Some friends of the podcast have even sent me playlists and videos to gently nudge me toward listening to Phish. Conversations with Billy Martin ...
Continue ReadingBig Ears 2025: A Personal Perspective
by Mark Adams
More than simply size, the “big" in Big Ears (March 27-30, 2025, Knoxville, TN) most certainly points to breadth, diversity, a widening or expanse. This is not the Fast Feet festival, though a pair are necessary to accommodate the ever-expanding footprint of venues in Knoxville. This isn't the Huge Heart gathering, though it certainly feels like a reunion when musicians and listeners cross-pollinate as spring tempts town and hope fills the air. Nor is it a solely brain-centric experience, though ...
Continue ReadingJazz Highlights for Record Store Day 2025
by Kyle Simpler
For most Americans, April brings to mind tax deadlines and spring cleaning. But for vinyl collectors, April means something far more exciting: Record Store Day. Each year, music lovers line up early for a chance to snag limited-edition releases--many of them archival treasures, rarities, or long-lost recordings brought back to life. While the overall selection spans multiple genres, 2025's offerings deliver an especially rich batch for jazz fans. Here are some of the most notable jazz releases for Record Store ...
Continue ReadingFrom Fad To Phenomenon: The Lasting Legacy Of Record Store Day
by Kyle Simpler
Despite its growing popularity, some still view the vinyl resurgence as a passing trend that will eventually fade. Articles frequently appear in newspapers and magazines almost celebrating any dip in vinyl sales. In late 2024, for example, several headlines noted that vinyl sales were down 33%--somewhat ironic, considering that an LP spins at 33 1/3 RPM. However, there are numerous factors to consider when analyzing sales data, but one thing remains consistent: the growing interest in vinyl records. Since the ...
Continue Reading2024 Record Store Day Black Friday Jazz Releases
by Kyle Simpler
Record Store Day Black Friday is back for 2024. There are releases that appeal to practically every genre of music, and jazz is no exception. This year's lineup features releases for jazz enthusiasts and vinyl collectors alike. From previously unreleased live performances to excellent vinyl debuts, this year's offerings showcase a variety of jazz styles. Below is a list of some of this year's jazz titles. Dave Douglas Gifts Greenleaf Music Quantity: 800
Continue Reading
