From saxophonist and composer Angela Morris: I’ve spent my pandemic time composing, blobbing, putting on shows for my series Brackish, recovering from two broken bones, teaching over zoom and in schools, protesting, and occasionally performing. Mostly trying to keep the emotional boat afloat! In April 2020, Anna Webber and I released our big band’s debut
From bassist and composer Nick Dunston: Somehow, I am fortunate enough to be currently on a plane to another country for a mini vacation with my partner. To be honest, the end/start of the calendar year has never felt particularly conclusive nor refreshing for me, but any opportunity to sit down with my thoughts, reflect,
I had the opportunity to talk with drummer Colin Hinton over the past six months about his music, training, and perspective as an artist. Cisco Bradley: You are about to release a collaborative trio record with Rema Hasumi and Shawn Lovato. How did that band come together? What concepts and ideas are you collaborating on?
From Andrew Lamb: In order to begin speaking about my project, I must give thanks and praise to The Most High for allowing me to be present in this dimension. I have lost several of my colleagues and those which I have known and interacted with from the inception of the pandemic and literally every
Jessica Pavone’s creative practice encompasses developing a personalized voice on her instrument as both an instrumentalist and composer. She has been focusing primarily on two projects recently. Lull Pavone’s new work, “Lull,” is a composition for string octet and soloists in four movements. Recorded during the pandemic year of 2020, the piece reflects a multifaceted
Bassist Mark Lewandowski originally hails from Nottingham, England, but moved to New York City in August of 2017. In 2021, he released his second album as a leader Under One Sky with Addison Frei (piano) and Kush Abadey (drums). Writer Akira Saito had the opportunity to interview Mr. Lewandowski about his work and perspectives on
Otomo Yoshihide has been well-known as an avant-garde turntablist, and often compared with Christian Marclay, pioneer of disruptive turntablism in the New York downtown scene of the 1980s. However, Otomo’s expressive focus was much different from Marclay’s, and he has already changed his main instrument from turntable to guitar. Often aggressive, Otomo’s guitar possesses a
Citadels and Sanctuaries, the latest release from clarinetist and composer Jeremiah Cymerman, is a reflection on and tribute to the influence of 10 of Cymerman’s musical heroes. It is also, according to its liner notes, Cymerman’s “most accessible record to date,” which may come as surprise when reading the list of artists paid tribute here.
Review written by guest writer John Pietaro: Within the pantheon of new music that was birthed through jazz in particular, the political content has been brazenly, pridefully Left. Sounds of protest easily predate the artform as we know it, indeed slave poetry, field hollers, and the roots of the blues were foremost the folk art
Guitarist and composer Jessica Ackerley has been a compelling, distinctive, and dedicated contributor to various New York creative music scenes since her arrival in 2013. Employing an inclusive aesthetic and a strong collaborative drive, Ackerley has produced an impressive output of recordings spanning jazz, improvised music, experimental rock, and noise. Throughout this wide traversal of
