Jazz

Musician Allen Toussaint. For over twenty years he's been a force in New Orleans rhythm and blues as a singer, songwriter and piano player. He wrote hits such as "Working in a Coal Mine," written for Lee Dorsey, and "Mother in Law," written for Ernie K. Doe.

Pianist Ran Blake. He heads the Third Stream Music Department at the New England Conservatory of Music. Third Stream music, a term coined by composer Gunther Schuller, integrates classical and jazz traditions. Blake has extended the definition to include other kinds of music. A CD of Blake's 1961 recording with singer Jeanne Lee has just been reissued by RCA.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Wingspan," the new recording from pianist Mulgrew Miller and his quintet. This 32-year-old musician was inspired by McCoy Tyner, but his sound is more spare and compressed than Tyner's.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead surveys his picks for the year's ten best releases.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album, "Momentum", by soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy.

Martin Williams, producer of the new six-record set for the Smithsonian Jazz Collection featuring singers and soloists from the Swing era. The set includes performances by Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald and Johnny Hodges.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Dances and Ballads," the new album by the World Saxophone Quartet.

J.J. Johnson, a pioneer of the modern jazz trombone. In 1970, he moved to Hollywood to work as a composer and arranger for television. He's toured the country recently, and a new CD of sessions he recorded in the 60s has just been reissued.

Drummer and composer Bobby Previte. His music has been described as "... a blend of Charles Mingus' bluesy hoedowns and Steve Reich's trancelike minimalism." Previte began as a rock drummer and now composes in a wide variety of genres, from choral works and string quartets to film score and jazz. His new album is titled "Pushing the Envelope."

A live concert with jazz saxophonist Frank Morgan. Morgan has recently begun a new life after years of drug abuse and prison. He recently performed in a play about his life titled "Prison-Made Tuxedos."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews bassist Dave Holland's new album, "The Razor's Edge," featuring Holland and his quintet - trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, alto saxophonist Steve Coleman, trombonist Robin Eubanks and drummer Marvin Smitty Smith.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new 3-record set of previously unreleased jazz 45's by tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec.

Guitarist Bob Brozman will perform two songs on his National Steel guitar.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by the trio Power Tools. The group consists of guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Melvin Gibbs and drummer Shannon Jackson. Their new album is titled "Strange Meeting."

Guitarist Bob Brozman. He'll play two songs from the 20s, one a Fats Waller tune, on his National Steel Guitar.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by flugelhornist Art Farmer. The album is titled "Something to Live For: The Music of Billy Strayhorn."

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "It Just So Happens," the new album by trombonist Ray Anderson, whose style draws on the technique of the old New Orleans jazzmen.

Ed McBain (also known as Evan Hunter), prolific writer of detective fiction, best known for his "87th Precinct" series of police procedurals and mystery novels. His most recent novel is titled Tricks. McBain writes in other genres under different pseudonyms.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Days Aweigh," the new album by singer Cassandra Wilson.

Buck Clayton, jazz trumpeter, arranger and band leader. He was a member of Count Basie's original band.