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...]
José James Returns September 28 With Bill Withers Tribute ‘Lean On Me’
Vocalist José James is back with a new album on September 28th entitled Lean On Me, a heartfelt and honest twelve song tribute to the legendary Bill Withers in honor of his 80th birthday year. What began as a touring project in 2017 evolved into a full-length release produced by Blue Note president Don Was and recorded in Capitol's legendary Studio B with a dream team band: … [Read more...]
Lauren Desberg & Kris Bowers – “Merry Melody Medley” (Video & Stream)
A few days ago, Lauren Desberg tweeted, "I do my best singing within 3 feet of christmas decor..." It just had to be a sign that something was coming soon, and such an assessment was certainly correct. Vocalist Desberg and keyboardist Kris Bowers just dropped a medley of Christmas songs that'll definitely get this December going. Check out the video and stream of their … [Read more...]
Kris Bowers feat. Julia Easterlin at the Stockholm Jazz Festival (Full Concert Video)
You’ve certainly heard of Kris Bowers by now. The young Juilliard graduate won the prestigious 2011 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. He then went on to perform on Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch the Throne, before joining Concord Record’s NEXT Collective on the 2013 album Cover Art. In 2014, Bowers released his debut Heroes + Misfits, also on Concord, to … [Read more...]
Jose James’ ‘Yesterday I Had the Blues’ Out This Spring
Coming after Jose James' recent albums, While You Were Sleeping, No Beginning, No End, and Black Magic, with explorations into rock, electronic, R&B, soul, and funk in addition to his jazz roots, James' new project Yesterday I Had The Blues might seem like a departure. In fact, he's returning to those jazz roots here - check out James' versions of some John Coltrane tunes from … [Read more...]