Author Archives: The Independent Ear

Ain’t But a Few of Us #12

Posted on February 5, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Our contributor to this latest installment of the series Ain’t But a Few of Us — black music writers telling their story — is Twin Cities-based writer Robin James.  I first met Robin at an IAJE conference and later worked with … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion | 1 Comment

Ancient Future radio 1/28/10

Posted on January 28, 2010 by The Independent Ear

The Ancient Future radio program is produced & hosted by Willard Jenkins for WPFW 89.3 FM (www.wpfw.org), Pacifica Radio for the Washington, DC metro area. HAITIAN RELIEF Joanne Brackeen Haiti B Tring-A-Ling Choice Mingus Big Band Haitian Fight Song Blues … Continue reading →

Posted in Playlists | Leave a comment

Have you heard Evan Christopher?

Posted on January 27, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Once you get past the outsized ego of its leader, trumpeter Irvin Mayfield, the burgeoning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is potentially an exceptional representation of both the modern and traditional jazz fruits of the city.  The orchestra, or NOJO as … Continue reading →

Posted in That's What They Heard | 1 Comment

The State of Latin Jazz

Posted on January 22, 2010 by The Independent Ear

I remember posing the question in a BET Jazz interview to the late conguero and bandleader Ray Barretto about exactly what is meant by Latin Jazz and getting an earful, including what is NOT Latin Jazz.  More recently I received … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist's P.O.V. | 1 Comment

A Pet Peeve… once again!

Posted on January 21, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Once again in the process of presenting the Ancient Future radio program (see playlists below), a vexing disparity reared its ugly head.  With so many artists going the DIY route and producing their own recordings, not to mention the myriad … Continue reading →

Posted in Records | 7 Comments