saxophone

April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the most influential year in jazz, 1959. Each week we've highlighted one of the game-changing albums that left an indelible mark in jazz history, and changed the course of its future.

April 1, 2019. Familiarity is said to breed unpleasant things, but the new album from the Branford Marsalis quartet, suggests the opposite. Pianist Joey Calderazzo and bassist Eric Revis have each been with Branford for the past twenty years. They call drummer Justin Faulkner “The Rookie;” he’s approaching a decade with the group.

Jazz musician Cornelius (Sonny) Fortune died on October 25th, at age 79. Sonny's biography reveals he was a man in perpetual motion, allowing no grass to grow under his feet when it came to perfecting his craft. He used his time and talents wisely and well.

Bassist, composer and multi-instrumentalist  Marcus Miller has been a celebrated name in the music industry for over thirty years. His new release, Laid Black, proves his star power with the inclusion of some guest artists with illustrious careers of their own. Selah Sue, Trombone Shorty, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Whalum and Take 6 all add to relaxed creativity of this album.

Tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna is a Philadelphia legend, but the reach of his playing extends well past his hometown. Perhaps that’s why you’ve voted him our No.7 Essential Artist.