Author Archives: The Independent Ear

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

Ancient Future – radio 1/21/10

Posted on January 21, 2010 by The Independent Ear

The Ancient Future radio program is produced & hosted by Willard Jenkins for WPFW 89.3 FM, Pacifica Radio for the Washington, DC metro area.   Meditations on Dr. King   Max Roach Praise for a Martyr Percussion Bitter Sweet Impulse! … Continue reading →

Posted in Playlists | Leave a comment

NEA Jazz Masters 2010

Posted on January 14, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Full disclosure: Willard Jenkins is a coordinator of the NEA Jazz Masters Live program which funds NEAJM presentations at sites around the country.  Email if you’d like further information…   Last Tuesday evening was yet another sublime NEA Jazz Masters awards … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion | 4 Comments