Michael Roberts

By Michael Roberts The title and subtitle of vibraphonist-composer Chien Chien Lu’s latest release seem contradictory. But if Built In System suggests a project that closely conforms to a blueprint, and Live in New York evokes spontaneity, Lu bridges this theoretical gap with brio. On just her second album as a leader (her self-titled debut

By Michael Roberts Sean Mason revels in his roots on The Southern Suite, putting a joyful spin on jazz tradition. Many a budding jazz performer has been schooled in the art form by veteran musicians or family elders. But Sean Mason, whose gifts as a pianist and composer are spotlighted to sparkling effect on The

By Michael Roberts Sean Mason revels in his roots on The Southern Suite, putting a joyful spin on jazz tradition. Many a budding jazz performer has been schooled in the art form by veteran musicians or family elders. But Sean Mason, whose gifts as a pianist and composer are spotlighted to sparkling effect on The

Welcome to the JAZZIZ Podcast. This is our new series of podcast conversations, hosted by JAZZIZ Online Editor Matt Micucci and featuring some of the best artists of today’s jazz and creative music scene. Many of these artists are part of JAZZIZ Vinyl Club, our series of limited-edition color vinyl albums curated by the JAZZIZ Editors, featuring some of the most

Welcome to the JAZZIZ Podcast. This is our new series of podcast conversations, hosted by JAZZIZ Online Editor Matt Micucci and featuring some of the best artists of today’s jazz and creative music scene. Many of these artists are part of JAZZIZ Vinyl Club, our series of limited-edition color vinyl albums curated by the JAZZIZ Editors, featuring some of the most

By Michael Roberts Time Zones, the title of the Esthesis Quartet’s sophomore outing, acknowledges the widely varied locations the group members call home. But musically, drummer Tina Raymond, who resides in Los Angeles; pianist/vocalist Dawn Clement, Denver; bassist Emma Dayhuff, Chicago; and flutist Elsa Nilsson, Brooklyn, come together in a place where technical ability meets

By Michael Roberts Following a 20-year break, and a 30-year career as a teacher, Randolph Noel helms a large ensemble recording once more. Pianist and composer Randolph Noel’s entrancing new album, Elements and Orbits, has been a long time coming. The self-released recording is his first as a leader since 2003’s Hands on the Plow

Exploring the 12-tone technique opened up a plethora of possibilities for Michael Varverakis.

Once upon a time, steel pan recordings accessible to American listeners tended to be split between folkloric explorations captured by preservationists and low-fidelity quickies musicians sold to memento-seeking tourists. Today, however, a fresh generation of artists is proving that the instrument is as versatile as it is evocative. And Joy Lapps, a Toronto-based steel pan

In 1972, Blue Note Records unleashed Two Headed Freap, a debut album by organist-composer Ronnie Foster filled with soulful, swinging music as irresistible as its title. Now, a half-century later, Foster has gone back to the future by way of Reboot, an equally enjoyable showcase for his mastery of the Hammond B3 issued under the