There's a fullness in ten years. A lot of work, if rather relentlessly done, can really make a discernible impact. Ten years ago, folks were making all the talk as rather cyclically that jazz was dead. It was such an exhausting conversation. Folks were around making this music, obviously. It couldn't be that dead. The problem was in the awareness and the tweaking of the … [Read more...]
Nextbop’s Favorite Jazz Albums of 2018
As one of our most exciting times of year (which we refer to as the Season of Lists), the Nextbop staff relishes the end of the year to declare our favorite releases from the last twelve months, noting a moment in time and reminding folks (out there reading and amongst ourselves in the staff) of what great music was out there and maybe to catch up on what you may have missed, … [Read more...]
Nextbop’s Favorite Jazz Albums of 2016
There's no universal theme or overall consensus in jazz this year. No overblown hype machine, no clamoring for a seemingly agreed upon savior, no important trendsetting bucking of past conventions to take on new ones. Artists made art this year, as they do every year, and in the realm of jazz, they made art together. Collaborators collaborated, improvisors improvised. We, … [Read more...]
Leaving Room for Magic: Ben Williams on Inspiration, Balance and the Synergy Behind ‘Coming of Age’
Black rimmed Ray Bans and a 10pm hit set the atmosphere as Ben Williams steps onto the bandstand. He picks up his bass and pauses. After a moment of silent conversation, he raises his head and begins to play. Phrases bubble over the moments between moments, but the presence of pulse is deliberate. Each player embraces a collective exploration that has become a distinctive … [Read more...]
Jamison Ross Set to Release Debut ‘Jamison’ (Teaser + Single)
Drummer Jamison Ross won the 2012 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, edging out Justin Brown and Colin Stranahan, which earned him a recording contract with the Concord Music Group. His debut album, simply titled Jamison, is set for its June 23rd release and features Ross’ college counterparts guitarist Rick Lollar, bassist Corcoran Holt, saxophonist Dayve Stewart, … [Read more...]