Author Archives: The Independent Ear

After a closer and more honest examination of some of my more cherished works, I felt that it became necessary for me to reduce the density of some of my own pieces in order for them to be better comprehended. … Continue reading →

Several months ago The Independent Ear informed you of the exciting news of Jason Moran’s appointment at the Kennedy Center. Since then I’ve spotted Jason around DC, scouting the scene at events like the Gretchen Parlato/Gerald Clayton Trio doublebill at … Continue reading →

Premiere of : “An African Nubian Suite” Composed and performed by Randy Weston & his African Rhythms Orchestra. April, 8, 2012 at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts, NYC, USA http://www.nyuskirball.org/calendar/weston http://africanastudies.as.nyu.edu/object/Weston.html An African Nubian Suite salutes the Nubians who … Continue reading →

Reading friend & colleague Ted Panken’s always inquisitive and informative interview style, on this occasion with the potent Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava in the March ’12 edition of DownBeat http://www.downbeat.com/digitaledition/2012/DB201203/single_page_view/38.html, was thought-provoking on several fronts. The mind drifted to considerations … Continue reading →

Continuing our dialogue on the audience equation for creative music, which heretofore has focused on the puzzling conundrum of the African American audience, the always thoughtful saxophonist-composer and record label (Inner Circle www.innercirclemusic.com) head Greg Osby weighs in on the … Continue reading →