by Don Berryman As last year brought to us found recordings from the mid-century, including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’ Just Coolin’, Sonny Rollins in Holland, and Charles Mingus @ Bremen (All three of which are included in my best of 2020 review), this year’s discoveries include a live recording of John Coltrane’s A […]
JazzMN Orchestra performed with Bob Mintzer in the Belvedere tent at Crooners in June Atlantis Quartet Yes, there are bigger events than jazz gigs across the Metro this weekend, generating more ink, more hype, more COVID concerns… like the the State Fair and Immersive Van Goh. But for jazz fans, it’s hard to top the […]
Dave Hagedorn, image by Andrea Canter Under the leadership of area photographer Steven Peterson, the Upper Midwest Black and White Music Photography Contest is underway! Launched to support Midwest musicians and venues, the contest also celebrates the upcoming 2021-2022 concert seasons as well as the many fine music photographers in the region. It’s a totally […]
Mac Santiago, founder and director of Jazz Central, and veteran percussionist There’s a lot of great music, including hot jazz, around the metro this week but I need to specifically salute Jazz Central Studios and founder/director/veteran drummer Mac Santiago. Operating the basement space on a shoestring since 2010, Mac is more than a survivor on […]
Adam Meckler Orchestra I sort of retired “The Lead Sheet” when COVID shut down live music. And while I am no longer willing to commit to a weekly “heads up” regarding area jazz, I will try to provide frequent and timely commentary on what’s happening on the local scene. This is not intended as a […]
By Bill Stieger Any local jazz aficionado who hasn’t had the pleasure of hearing pianist Will Kjeer is hereby forewarned: get out to see this up-and-coming performer while he’s still planted in the Twin Towns. Because all the local musicians agree–Kjeer is a performer on his way up. And one never knows how long a […]