Jazz Perspectives

Jazz Perspectives: Angelique Kidjo

Reese Erlich — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:23:00 +0000

Angelique Kidjo was born in the West African country of Benin. She grew up listening to traditional music but was soon influenced by American rhythm and blues singers and jazz artists. She started composing at age 10, writing about political topics starting at a very early age.

Jazz Perspectives: Archie Shepp

Reese Erlich — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:54:25 +0000

Saxophonist Archie Shepp is a legend. His career goes back nearly 50 years, including playing on John Coltrane’s iconic album, A Love Supreme. Today Shepp mixes jazz, blues and other influences into what he calls “African American Music.” Shepp plays tonight, October 11th, at Yoshi's in Oakland at 8pm and 10pm.

Jazz Perspectives: Jane Monheit

Reese Erlich — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:09:29 +0000

Jane Monheit has had a successful career as a jazz vocalist for over 10 years. As she reached her 30's, she has had to juggle raising a child with the stress of performing on the road. In this Jazz Perspective, Reese Erlich asks her about her 2010 CD, "Home," and her life at home.

Jazz Perspectives: 'Sweet' Sue Terry

Reese Urlich — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:33:46 +0000

Great Jazz musicians have their own distinct tone. “Sweet” Sue Terry has developed a wonderful open tone with her own style. Terry, who plays saxophone, flute, and clarinet, says that developing your own tone is a work in progress. Most musicians start by listening to someone they really admire and try to recreate that tone. It’s a little like imitating a foreign accent. You listen to someone from another country speaking English, and then try to imitate that with your own voice. She explains: