The Nov. 2 passing of Roy Hargrove silenced one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of his generation. These 10 tunes illustrate his stylistic range and chart his evolution as a singular jazz voice.
Ever since Donald Trump ascended to the presidency of the United States, the word “resistance” has resonated with newfound ferocity among the country’s political left. Ace guitarist Marc Ribot echoes this in his gripping new disc, Songs of Resistance 1942-2018.
James spoke with us about the inspiration behind Lean on Me, his encounter with the somewhat reclusive Withers, and the incredible wisdom he gained from the icon.
The 74-year-old continues mapping out new explorations as evidenced on his two latest Pi Recordings discs – Double Up, Plays Double Up Plus and Dirt. . . And More Dirt.
Originally released in the mid-’80s, this intriguing funk-laced album finds the iconic pocket trumpeter navigating through the sonic landscapes that some of his jazz leftist contemporaries such as Lester Bowie’s Brass Fantasy, Joe Bowie’s Defunkt and Ronald Shannon Jackson’s Decoding Society (and Herbie Hancock’ collaborations with Bill Frisell) trafficked.
Compiled by globetrotting DJ, record collector, and label-owner Samy Ben Redjeb, Vol 2 is a 10-year-in-the-making follow up to African Screaming Vol 1, which concentrated on music from Benin and Togo. Benin get sole spotlight this time around as the country’s vandou religion functioning as its thematic binder.
