On February 1, 1968, a malfunctioning garbage truck fatally crushed two black Memphis sanitation workers - Echol Cole and Robert Walker. Their passing was in many ways directly the fault of Henry Loeb, the city’s white supremacist mayor. Loeb previously served as the Memphis’ Public Works Commissioner, a role in which he undertook several steps to impose unduly harsh conditions … [Read more...]
Stream Ben Williams’ “If You Hear Me” From Upcoming Album ‘I AM A MAN’
Esteemed bassist Ben Williams is back with an album of his own after a four year hiatus. The 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winner (since then rechristened the Herbie Hancock International Jazz Competition) will be releasing his newest opus, I AM A MAN, next February via the José James co-owned label Rainbow Blonde Records.Inspired by Memphis’ 1968 … [Read more...]
Justin Brown – ‘NYEUSI’
For years, I have referred to Justin Brown as a murderer. He has an adeptness at the drum kit so technically rambunctious, so particularly expressive, that one's previous thinking about what drums can do dies. This has been the clear case for years in a percussive sense, however, Brown also has this capability as a composer and bandleader, as shown in his debut album, NYEUSI, … [Read more...]
Justin Brown – “Lesson 1: DANCE” (Stream)
I've learned a few things over the years covering the players of the modern jazz scene. Amongst those characters I've encountered and heard play their craft, I knew long ago that Justin Brown is a murderer. He'll kill a drum kit. He'll kill the idea what you think a human being can do with a drum kit. He's an exceptional musician, and altogether good person, and it shows in his … [Read more...]
Nextbop’s Favorite Jazz Albums of 2017
We have a small, volunteer staff here at Nextbop. Folks who read us here contribute work, adding to the collective of voices that we so cherish here and giving additional perspective that Sebastien and I lack at times. It's why, when it comes to end-of-year lists, our collective of voices is so important. It's nice to see the overlaps in taste and to gain insights into albums … [Read more...]