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Article Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

Scott Yanow’s 2021 Picks

“Even during the pandemic, thousands of worthwhile jazz recordings were released in 2021. Some are cutting edge and seek to move the music ahead while others are creative within the context of established styles. Here are ten that remained in my memory long after I played them. Next month I will list ten equally rewarding recordings that are reissues or historical recordings from earlier times.” ~ Scott Yanow, JAN

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Article Artist Contributor Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks

Kenny Washington – a personal reflection

Conversationally, he was most engaging and charismatic – a baby-faced authentic New York character who drew me into what became an ongoing sphere of influence, within a few seconds.

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

REVIEW: Jesup Wagon by James Brandon Lewis

“Jesup Wagon is filled with invigorating music that is well worth several listens.” — Jazz Artistry Now

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Article Commentary Editors’ Picks

Great Jazz Communities Inherently Have Great Jazz Infrastructures

By Christopher Burnett It was dark when we crossed the blue bridge over the Missouri River and pulled into the City of Leavenworth, officially known as “The First City of Kansas” and also hometown to such music industry luminaries as Melissa Etheridge and the phenomenal LA-based woodwind artist Gary Foster. I am a native of […]

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Article Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

Lee Morgan: Completing the Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, California, still in existence, practically rivals New York’s Village Vanguard in terms of historic live jazz albums to have issued from its bandstand.

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

New Piano Music in Review

Shai Maestro, Human (ECM); Vijay Iyer Trio, Uneasy (ECM); Hafez Modirzadeh, Facets (Pi)

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

REVIEW: Standards, Vol. 1 by Dan Arcamone

“Rather play earlier standards from the Great American Songbook, Arcamone mostly plays jazz tunes from the 1960s including numbers from Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and McCoy Tyner, along with a later song apiece by Pat Metheny and Allan Holdsworth.” — Jazz Artistry Now

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

Guitar Albums in Review

Tom Guarna’s penchant for sonic exploration is closer to Mr. Loueke than to Mr. Pinheiro, though his warm, overdriven guitar tone is nothing like either of theirs.

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Article Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

BIRD AND THE BLUES

I already know what I want for Christmas, “Charlie Parker: The Mercury & Clef 10-Inch LP Collection.”

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

PAIRED REVIEW: Josh Johnson + Morgan Guerin

… they’re both saxophonists whose multi-instrumental skills give their music textural variety and depth, something they’ve highlighted in their work as leaders