Author Archives: The Independent Ear

No hidden agendas here; taking particular interest and pride in younger African Americans who are working in jazz in entrepreneurial pursuits, last January at the NEA Jazz Masters awards program at Dizzy’s, at the pre-show media event, I met Brian … Continue reading →

Being a jazz concert and festival presenter, radio programmer, and journalist I am the fortunate recipient of all manner of new and recent CD releases and digital downloads from artists, spouses, publicists, labels and friends. That phenomenon has increased exponentially … Continue reading →

Last evening, Monday, April 29, was a great night of youthful jazz at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) as the school presented its 27th annual Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival. The event featured performances by the … Continue reading →

It is indeed my distinct honor and privilege to be named a Jazz Hero of Washington, DC (for more scroll down just below the Ysaye Maria Barnwell interview below) in a group of jazz activists that includes the distinguished saxophonist-educator … Continue reading →

The deeply organic, folkloric, and humanitarian expressions of the a cappella ensemble known as Sweet Honey in the Rock has made the ensemble an institution. Sweet Honey in the ROck was founded in 1973 by the distinguished freedom fighter Dr. … Continue reading →