Good and bad news: MN Orchestra, new singer’s debut, Down Beat poll results

Nov. 21 |   Planning your holiday entertainment? Wondering about young African American female singers on the rise? Want to get caught up on Down Beat’s Reader’s Poll results? No problem.   MN Orchestra labor dispute bad news for jazz lovers Well,...

MSR talks with New Orleans trumpeter Irvin Mayfield

Apr. 4 |   By Robin James Jazz Columnist    Irvin Mayfield (IM) recently spoke with MSR. Among the topics: the music of New Orleans, jazz vocalists that interest him now, his leadership as artistic director of Jazz at Orchestra Hall, and his upcoming...

Spring starts strong with jazz bandleader concerts

Apr. 4 |     It’s springtime, and romance is in the air. So, lately I got to thinking… Why is the music of New Orleans so romantic? Go check out Irvin Mayfield at Orchestra Hall on April 6 at 8 pm and find out. If you can’t make the gig,...

A season of musical romance for jazz lovers on CD, in concert

Feb. 29 |       When I think about the reasons I first fell in love with jazz, I think of tenor saxophonist Kirk Whalum. Among some of my most prized recordings, signed copies of his albums Unconditional (Warner Bros., 2001) and For You (Warner...