If you are in NYC on these dates, here’s your chance to experience the killer new band put together by author and jazz aficionado T.J. ENGLISH at the legendary nightclub Birdland. Three nights to choose from (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)! Don’t miss it!
Category: MUSIC
Art Pepper: After Life
Why Art Pepper’s Straight Life Is Still the Most Harrowing Jazz Memoir Ever (This article first appeared in the August 2019 issue of JazzTimes magazine.) Early in his memoir, Straight Life, the late jazz legend Art Pepper relates a story about being in the U.S. Army during World … Continue reading Art Pepper: After Life
In Praise of Tito Puente
Very few musicians of any kind have contributed more to the musical identity of a city than Tito Puente did for New York City. Certainly, in the early decades of jazz, and with rock-and-roll and hip hop, there are more than a few names that … Continue reading In Praise of Tito Puente
The Fort Apache Band: A Bronx Tale
The 2018 death of Jerry González also marked the end of the Fort Apache Band, which took Latin jazz to new heights for more than 30 year. This is their story. (This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of JazzTimes.) By T.J. English … Continue reading The Fort Apache Band: A Bronx Tale
DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Luques Curtis
Few young bassist on the scene have made an impression quite like Luques Curtis. At the age of 35, he has played with veterans Eddie Palmieri and Gary Burton, as well as a stint with the legendary Fort Apache Band. Playing with that band, Luques … Continue reading DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Luques Curtis
DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Caridad De La Luz
Caridad De La Luz, a proud product of the Bronx, has been performing in NYC for more than twenty years. Primarily as La Bruja, a stage persona she created to present her spoken word poetry, comedy, and various musical shows, she has become an ambassador … Continue reading DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Caridad De La Luz
EXCLUSIVE: Havana Nocturne Mob Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime Mob Tour of Havana February 14-18, 2019 Over the years, on numerous occasions, I’ve been asked if I wanted to play a role in hosting a “Mob tour” of Havana, Cuba. These overtures were based on my having published the book HAVANA NOCTURNE: … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Havana Nocturne Mob Tour
DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with David Virelles
Chucho Valdes, the legendary, 76 year-old Cuban pianist whose late father, Bebo, was one of the architects of Latin Jazz, has referred to the young musician David Virelles as a “genius.” For the 35 year-old Virelles, with a long career still ahead of him, this … Continue reading DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with David Virelles
DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Zaccai Curtis
At the age of 36, Zaccai Curtis is already a seasoned veteran in the world of jazz and Latin Jazz. He often performs as The Curtis Brothers band, with his younger brother, bassist Luques Curtis, but for the Dangerous Rhythms series Zaccai has put together … Continue reading DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Zaccai Curtis
DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Mike Eckroth
Arsenio Rodriguez was blinded at a young age after being kicked in the head by a donkey. He went on to became Cuba’s greatest player of the tres guitar and a composer and creator of a new style of Afro Cuban music. Contemporary piano virtuoso … Continue reading DANGEROUS RHYTHMS: Q & A with Mike Eckroth