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Commentary

Commentary: 8.5.17

What is music for? Below is an excerpt from a very deep interview with Bennie Maupin. It is a conversation with someone who was living and playing music at a high level during the middle 1950s forward. His perspective is valuable to any of us who were not alive and working during those times. The […]

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Best of Jazz Editors’ Picks Review

REVIEW: Fred Hersch, OPEN BOOK

Fred Hersch has yet to make an unworthy recording. Open Book is easily recommended as an example of his artistry.

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Preview

Preview: {Open Book} by Fred Hersch

Today, I find that the best state of mind to be in when I sit down at the piano is “let’s see what happens”.

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Preview

Preview: “The Time Verses” by David Binney

Mr. Binney is a prolific musician who also releases music on his own Mythology Records, as well as appears on numerous other recordings by many other artists.

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Article

The Airmen of Note

The Airmen of Note is the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. The band of world-class musicians was created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s band.

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Preview

Preview: “Generations” by Brian Landrus Orchestra

Low woodwind virtuoso and composer, Brian Landrus took three years to write his Generations project for his all-star orchestra.

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Review

Review: Common Quartet, THE HIVE

In an age where access to all types of media and information is voluminous, it can be easy to overlook something unique or new.

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Preview

Preview: The Airmen of Note

We interview Master Sergeant Ben Patterson, the director, and lead trombonist. We have a conversation about the band, its latest release and what it is like to have a job playing music with the United States Air Force Band.

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Commentary

Commentary: 7.6.17

Professional military jazz bands have long been a source of employment for instrumental artists and singers. A more modern portion of this music history goes back to World War I when James Reece Europe‘s military band traveled thousands of miles performing for English, French and U.S. troops, along with civilian audiences while touring around the continent of Europe.