Author Archives: The Independent Ear

Besides being one of the quintessential second generation bop pianists, the late Walter Bishop, Jr., who played with a broad range of masters, from Charlie Parker and Miles Davis to Archie Shepp and Makanda Ken McIntyre, was a man of … Continue reading →

Part five of our ongoing dialogues with musicians where we ask the burning question: When you read music journalism and criticism what qualities are you looking for in the writer and the writing? This time we hear from trumpeter-bandleader-educator Sean … Continue reading →

Last July I had the distinct pleasure of traveling down to New Orleans on a JazzTimes assignment for their annual jazz education issue (published October 2011). The occasion was the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, held typically the first … Continue reading →

This is Part Four in our ongoing series of dialogues with jazz musicians where we ask the burning question: WHEN YOU READ MUSIC JOURNALISM AND MUSIC CRITICISM WHAT QUALITIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN THE WRITER AND THE WRITING? Our … Continue reading →

NEA Jazz Master Benny Golson is one of the most erudite musicians, a true master of elocution and language. A man of abundant wisdom and wit, Golson is one of the most agreeable people in the music. When posed with … Continue reading →