COVER STORY
STEVE SWALLOW
A tribute to a key figure in jazz over the last sixty years: a long, very recent interview and an in-depth report on a unique artistic endeavor.
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SHORT CUTS
ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS
We retrace the genesis of one of the masterpieces of the prince of darkness
A COLOSSUS AT THE VANGUARD
This article revisits Sonny Rollins’ landmark 1957 live recordings at the Village Vanguard, highlighting the boldness of his pianoless trio and the lasting impact of these sessions on modern jazz and improvisational practice.
TRUTH AND LEGEND BEHIND THE MASSEY HALL CONCERT
The article explores the legendary 1953 concert at Massey Hall, where five bebop giants—Parker, Gillespie, Powell, Mingus, and Roach — came together for a historic performance. It reflects on the musical brilliance, behind-the-scenes tensions, and enduring legacy of what became one of jazz’s most iconic live recordings.
JAZZ PEOPLE
MINGUS MILL
This article traces Charles Mingus’s ancestral roots to a mill in North Carolina, uncovering the African American, European, and Native American heritage that shaped his identity. Through historical research and evocative photography, it offers a deeper understanding of the personal and cultural forces behind Mingus’s music.
CAREER AWARD
KEITH JARRETT
The article explores the artistic journey of Keith Jarrett, focusing on his transformative solo concerts, groundbreaking trio work, and his deep influence on modern jazz and improvised music. It reflects on his unique blend of virtuosity, spontaneity, and spiritual intensity.
VOICES
SAMARA JOY
The article profiles rising jazz vocalist Samara Joy, tracing her swift ascent from student competitions to international acclaim. It highlights her deep connection to tradition, her fresh interpretations of standards, and her role in bringing classic jazz singing to a new generation.
DOSSIER
THELONIOUS MONK
The article revisits Thelonious Monk’s 1960 residency at San Francisco’s Black Hawk club, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in his career. It explores the context, the music, and the unique atmosphere of the sessions, capturing a pivotal moment in Monk’s artistic evolution.
DOSSIER
J.J. JOHNSON
This article explores the life and legacy of J.J. Johnson, the pioneering jazz trombonist who redefined the instrument’s role in bebop and modern jazz. They highlight his collaborations with legends like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, his innovative work with Kai Winding, and his contributions as a composer for both jazz ensembles and film/TV scores.
Johnson’s technical mastery and artistic vision established him as a towering figure in 20th-century music.
DOSSIER AND INTERVIEW
MARTIAL SOLAL
The article traces the early life and artistic rise of French pianist Martial Solal, from his beginnings in Algiers to his emergence as a central figure in European jazz. It highlights his virtuosic style, compositional depth, and key recordings through the late 1970s, establishing him as a singular voice in modern jazz.
DOSSIER
BUCK HILL
The article chronicles the unique life and career of Buck Hill, the Washington D.C. saxophonist who balanced a day job as a mailman with a remarkable jazz career, earning the nickname “the Wailin’ Mailman” and leaving a lasting mark on the local and national jazz scenes.
INTERVIEW
DAVID VIRELLES: CARTA
Cuban pianist David Virelles discusses Carta (Intakt, 2023), a deeply researched, rhythm-driven album that fuses Santiago de Cuba’s traditions with contemporary jazz vocabularies. A rigorous and visionary artist, Virelles continues to chart bold new directions for the music.
VOICES
BETTY DAVIS MABRY
The article explores the groundbreaking artistry of Betty Davis, the fierce funk pioneer who redefined female expression in 1970s music. It retraces her influence, cultural legacy, and the challenges she faced as a trailblazing Black woman in a male-dominated industry.
INTERVIEW
RUFUS REID
In a rare interview in London, the legendary American double bass player looks back over an extraordinary career, from his years with Eddie Harris and Dexter Gordon to his recordings with Art Farmer, J.J. Johnson and Stan Getz. Memories, anecdotes and reflections on the present make for a sincere portrait of a jazz master.
INTERVIEW
JOE FONDA
A splendid new album with a special guest like Wadada Leo Smith
FIRST CD INCLUDED WITH MUSICA JAZZ INTERNATIONAL EDITION
Artchipel Orchestra “Officine Mengelberg”
The dynamic collaboration between Musica Jazz and the Artchipel Orchestra continues with a bold new release: Officine Mengelberg. Under the inspired direction of Ferdinando Faraò, the orchestra has become a cornerstone of contemporary Italian jazz, celebrated for its adventurous spirit and critically acclaimed recordings.
In this latest project, Artchipel pays tribute to the visionary Misha Mengelberg (1935–2017), one of the great architects of European improvised music. By reinterpreting Mengelberg’s uniquely playful and cerebral compositions, the orchestra not only honors his legacy but also injects it with fresh vitality. This follows their imaginative take on Tubular Bells, reaffirming Artchipel’s commitment to exploring and reimagining the outer edges of jazz.
Officine Mengelberg stands as a significant milestone in Artchipel’s journey – an album that bridges eras, redefines tradition, and confirms the orchestra’s position at the forefront of experimental large ensemble jazz.
SECOND CD INCLUDED WITH MUSICA JAZZ INTERNATIONAL EDITION
“Body and Soul: Adventures of a Standard”
Attached this month is the CD “Body and Soul: adventures of a standard” with Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Don Byas, Benny Carter, Charles Mingus, Bud Shank, Roy Eldridge, Serge Chaloff, Ben Webster, Erroll Garner, Chu Berry, Paul Gonsalves, Toots Thielemans, Red Allen, Phil Woods.
The second CD “Body and Soul: Adventures of a Standard” isn’t available for US customer
