Author Archives: The Independent Ear

DMV-based pianist Chris Grasso has carved out a niche that certainly qualifies him for the pantheon of great jazz vocal piano accompanists.  That admirable coterie includes a distinguished list of piano accompanists who were and are particularly adept at providing … Continue reading →

How I Fell in Love With Jazz Video Contest presented by Savage Ticket Dear Jazz Lovers, How did you fall in love with Jazz? Was it a song? An artist? An instrument? How did your life change? How did your … Continue reading →

Back when we began our series of dialogues with Black jazz and music journalists & critics in the Independent Ear one of the newer breed of writers who have to a large extent operated in the still relatively new online … Continue reading →

One of the best evenings I spent last January at the annual Winterjazzfest was with the superb new all-woman ensemble known as Artemis.  This band of impressively accomplished women bandleaders includes pianist Renee Rosnes, vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant, clarinetist & … Continue reading →

Pianist-composer-bandleader Jon Jang is no newcomer to social justice issues, he’s taken up the mantle of human rights through his music, personal outlook & attitude, and in action for many seasons. Jon’s latest recording is certainly in the moment, exploring … Continue reading →