Jazz

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead concludes his look at some current jazz saxophone quartets, this time focusing on the ROVA Saxophone Quartet, which often collaborates with new music composers.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has the first of a two part review of several current saxophone quartets, a configuration that's risen in popularity lately.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead give a profile of the FMP label. It specializes in free jazz and features many American and European musicians.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by Finnish bandleader and drummer Edward Vesala, on the ECM label.

Dorn's in charge of a new series of records on Virgin called Night Records, featuring great live performances. The first four releases feature performances by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Cannonball Adderley, Les McCann, and Eddie Harris.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the musician's new CD, "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart." Clay was part of the progressive jazz movement in the 50s. Whitehead says the saxophonist's playing has evolved since his days working with Don Cherry.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews three albums that show the lasting influence of the blues in the genre that proceeded it. The artists he features are Big Joe Turner, Jay McShann, and Jeanie and Jimmy Cheatham.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says, though there's a wealth of wunderkinds in the scene today, listeners shouldn't overlook more seasoned musicians. He reviews a reissue of tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan's 1961 album, Bearcat.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a recent album by singer Shelly Hirsch and keyboardist David Weinstein. Their music draws from a diverse array of styles and traditions. Kevin says Hirsch is one of the most amazing singers in any genre.

Bernstein has composed the scores for around 80 films, including "The Man With the Golden Arm," "The Magnificent Seven," and "The Ten Commandments. He's done the scores for 2 new films -- "The Field" and "The Grifters." He joins Fresh Air to talk about how he works with directors to write his music.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the soundtrack from the movie "Tune in Tomorrow" composed by Wynton Marsalis and recorded by Marsalis and his band. Whitehead says it makes good use of the trumpeter's conservative, backward-looking approach.

Pizzarelli's new album, "My Blue Heaven," features his interpretations of some great songs from the swing era. He is the son of noted jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and often performs in the New York cabaret scene.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead talks about his favorite releases in 1990.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by the Music Revelation Ensemble, led by guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Ulmer studied with Ornette Coleman, and has developed a loose, free, and often bluesy sound. A new guitar player, Joe Morris, takes Ulmer's style even further in his trio record, Sweatshop.

For years, jazz fans have been looking for recordings that a fanatical fan named Dean Benedetti made of Charlie Parker in the late 40s. Those recording recently turned up, and they've just been issued on a boxed set of compact discs. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says they're surprisingly good, but don't add much to what we know about the famed saxophonist.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jelly Roll Morton: The Complete Victor Recordings," released on the occasion of the musician's 100th anniversary. Morton is widely considered to be the first great jazz composer, and is finding more acclaim now than he did while he was alive.

Critics say Carter has no equal. Her career has spanned four decades, and she's earned three Grammy nominations. Carter's new album is called "Droppin' Things.

Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus: The Complete Debut Recordings," featuring music from 1951 through 1957. Both legendary and unknown jazz musicians make appearances on these little-heard recordings.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the re-release of the exceptional Carla Bley and Paul Haines concept album. It features an eclectic mix of singers and musicians, including Linda Ronstadt, Jack Bruce, Don Cherry, and John McGlaughlin.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Rif, the new album by Dutch bassist Maarten Altena and his octet. Altena, who was a practitioner of free jazz, is also influenced by 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Morton Feldman.