Opening with the song “Fight,” the crowd went crazy as the band chanted the hook, “fight, fight, fight!” The high energy song was the perfect opener, and if screaming fans and a packed house were any indicator for the success of a band, then Oleander’s come back fits the bill.

Kamasi Washington was born in Los Angeles at the start of the 80s into a family where music was akin to breathing. His mother, an accomplished flutist, taught chemistry in high school, and his father, who plays with him in some concerts, was a professional saxophonist by night and high school music teacher by day. By two years old, Kamasi had already started playing the drums and the piano, and by seven he started playing the clarinet.

In the era when Hathaway was growing up, children used to aspire to become astronauts, a seemingly glamorous occupation that actually requires an unmatched application of ingenuity, intelligence, discipline and nerves that few can achieve or sustain. However, for the few that do, the payoff of traversing the spectacular unknowns of outer space or gazing upon the surface of the planet from the weightless confines of a space shuttle is well worth the preparation and pitfalls.

I had the good fortune to watch three legends perform together at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, CA, on May 15, 2012. They were drummer Jack DeJohnette, bassist Stanley Clarke, and pianist Chick Corea; and they were in concert celebrating Jack DeJohnette’s 70th birthday. The sounds coming from Catalina’s stage that evening could send a jazz lover straight to heaven.

“The point is there’s so much going on; and if you only had a chance to experience it and taste it, you may to have the opportunity to—not convert—but become more open to what else is out there.” —Esperanza Spaulding

Watch the Esperanza Spaulding interview from iRock Jazz.

One of the worst kept secrets in history is that music has a way of affecting how we feel about people. Music also makes us feel a certain way about the artists that create the music. Whatever emotions the message and the melody conjure up for us, we subconsciously associate the artist with those virtues and flaws. Brian McKnight has sold millions of records by writing songs about love and loss and singing them with alarming range and ability.

From Nancy Wilson (Vino Jazz Festival), to Barbara Morrison (Pips), to Oleta Adams and Poncho Sanchez (Barclay Theater) Jay Jackson has performed in shows with some of the biggest names in jazz. But no matter who he’s singing with, his soulful, rich jazz voice is unique and special. Jay trained at the prestigious LoDuca Brothers Music Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Performing in venues such as The Vino Jazz Festival, NOLA’s, Red, White and Bluezz, and the Hollywood Studio Bar and Grille, Jay’s voice is becoming a familiar treat for LA jazz fans.

I met Chase Masterson at an event held at Agenda Loft for a red carpet event last year. We became fast friends and I discovered that Chase is not only a multitalented actor and singer, but she has a heart for those in need.

Grammy Nominee Gregory Porter wooed fans during a recent performance at Mayne Stage in Chicago. An amazing musical treat, especially during Jazz Appreciation Month, Porter performed several selections from both his Water and Be Good albums, including favorites like “Illusion,” “1960 What?” “Lonely One,” “On My Way to Harlem,” “Be Good (The Lion’s Song),” and “Real Good Hands.” There aren’t as many male jazz vocalists around today as fans would like, but Gregory Porter is one to make up for what the jazz world has […]

Denise White wasn’t thinking of the words strength, light, and bright when she decided to adopt the name Avery Sunshine. According to Sunshine, she now personifies all of those qualities.