Saxophonist Donny McCaslin just released two new singles building on the momentum of his newest album Blow., released last October via Motéma Music. The first single, entitled “Head of Mine”, centers on the classic personal conflict we go through navigating between our better-suited intentions and our impulsive actions, and features vocalist and fellow Bowie collaborator Gail An … [Read more...]
Our Top Picks at the 2019 Montreal International Jazz Festival
The Montreal International Jazz Festival kicks off its 40th edition this week, starting June 26th, with a line-up sure to delight the most diverse of musical tastes. Often jazz festivals can be criticized for not showcasing enough jazz per se, but this year’s Montreal edition is particularly fruitful and ripe with a great selection of actual jazz artists. We’ve highlighted a few … [Read more...]
Stream Pianist Art Hirahara’s “Brooklyn Express” Off his New Album ‘Sunward Bound’ (Single Premiere)
Pianist Art Hirahara discovered jazz while studying Electronic and Computer Music at the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. During his junior year there, he began taking lessons from Cleveland jazz giant Neal Creque. He then pursued further tutelage at the California Institute of the Arts under the guidance of David Roitstein, Charlie Haden and Wadada Leo Smith. Hirahara moved to … [Read more...]
Saxophonist Donny McCaslin Reunites David Bowie’s Blackstar Band On New Album (Video)
Two and a half years ago, David Bowie released Blackstar days before his death (read Staff Writer Alex Marianyi’s review). The album, Bowie’s final masterpiece, put front and center a jazz band, namely saxophonist Donny McCaslin’ Quartet comprised of keyboardist Jason Lindner, bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Mark Guiliana, in a move that would perplex some yet delight many. Des … [Read more...]
David Bowie – “Killing a Little Time” (Stream)
Yesterday, one of three songs from the late David Bowie's Blackstar sessions -- the ones featuring saxophonist Donny McCaslin, keyboardist Jason Lindner, bassist Tim Lefebvre, and drummer Mark Guiliana -- started floating around. These are songs that didn't quite make the album but will appear on the cast recording of Bowie's last play, Lazarus, which releases tomorrow. Check … [Read more...]