Author Archives: The Independent Ear

The Best in Jazz Radio

Posted on September 2, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Count me as one who still believes firmly in the sanctity of jazz radio. What constitutes an effective weekly jazz radio program? How do those charged with that responsibility make it happen? We’d like to hear from others around the … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion, Radio | 2 Comments

Summer 2010 taking a toll on jazz ranks

Posted on August 18, 2010 by The Independent Ear

The summer of 2010 has been a melancholy one in terms of friends and jazz warriors passing on to ancestry. Last weekend’s loss of Abbey Lincoln, and prior to that her compadre Hank Jones were well-noted. Good friend and longtime … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion | 2 Comments

Jazz Venue Chronicles: Jazz is alive in Alabama

Posted on August 15, 2010 by The Independent Ear

There’s a tendency among some to view the presentation of live jazz as purely an urban, major-market phenomenon. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing jazz in seemingly unlikely places since developing the first regional jazz service program, at Arts Midwest … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion | 3 Comments

African Rhythms Video

Posted on August 4, 2010 by The Independent Ear

For the full story on the long journey towards development of the forthcoming book African Rhythms, the as-told-to autobiography of NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston, check out Bret Primack (“The Jazz Video Guy”)’s outstanding new video.  Click on below…

Posted in General Discussion | 2 Comments

Staying the course of creativity: Esperanza Spalding

Posted on July 28, 2010 by The Independent Ear

Bassist Esperanza Spalding has led a bit of a whirlwind artistic life for one so young and fresh off their second release as a leader.  Esperanza,  the singing bassist’s sophomore release on Heads Up was rather promising, if a bit … Continue reading →

Posted in General Discussion, Records | Leave a comment