- Music, Music Feature Mar 15, 2018
-
-
Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis builds an intentional community in jazz
By organizing concerts, mentoring young musicians, and connecting players from across the States and abroad, he models the commitment and generosity that keep the scene viable.
- Music, Music Feature Aug 29, 2017
-
-
Avant-garde elder Roscoe Mitchell celebrates 50 years of Nessa Records
When the AACM and the Art Ensemble of Chicago were still young, Chuck Nessa’s label helped raise them up.
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 18, 2017
-
-
Phil Cohran shaped the Black Arts Movement with his vision and discipline
Secret History pays tribute to its first subject, the late Phil Cohran, who cofounded the AACM, formed the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, and launched the Affro-Arts Theater.
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 11, 2017
-
-
Revisit the soulful hypnosis of the late Kelan Phil Cohran’s Artistic Heritage Ensemble
Phil Cohran recorded the Artistic Heritage Ensemble's dazzling, multifaceted debut with some of the most important musicians in Chicago history.
- Music, Gossip Wolf Jul 5, 2017
-
-
Chicago artists celebrate the life and work of late AACM cofounder Kelan Phil Cohran
Plus: The new No Bros Allowed zine and monthly showcase opposes masculine-identified boneheadedness.
- Music, Gossip Wolf May 9, 2017
-
-
Memphis hip-hop label Culture Power45 keeps up the Chicago love
Plus: Outrun the Sunlight celebrate a new album of instrumental prog metal, jazz legend Kelan Phil Cohran turns 90, and more.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 30, 2016
-
-
Hamid Drake drums around the world, but he's not a star at home
Hamid Drake's fluid fusion of jazz, reggae, and world-music percussion styles has made him an invaluable part of countless groups.
- Blogs, Bleader Oct 30, 2015
-
-
The daring debut album of AACM historian George Lewis gets reissued
Hear a track from his classic 1976 solo trombone album.
- Music, Music Feature Sep 16, 2015
-
-
Jazz grows under Ernest Dawkins's feet
By staying put in his hometown, this Chicago saxophonist has nurtured generations of musicians—and a south-side festival that's now in its 16th year.
- Music, Fall Preview Sep 9, 2015
-
-
George Lewis presents his experimental AACM opera Afterword
- Music, Music Feature Sep 2, 2015
-
-
Your comprehensive guide to the 37th annual Chicago Jazz Festival
Previews of every act in Millennium Park and beyond, including Fred Hersch in his overdue festival debut and AACM cofounder Muhal Richard Abrams leading a historic reunion of the Experimental Band
- Music, Music Feature Jul 7, 2015
-
-
Why the AACM and AfriCOBRA still matter
MCA curator Naomi Beckwith discusses a new exhibit called "The Freedom Principle" that connects the legacy of the Black Arts Movement to current cultural and political battles.
- Best of Chicago, Music & Nightlife 2015 Critics' Picks Jun 24, 2015
-
-
Best musical anniversary
- Blogs, Bleader Apr 24, 2015
-
-
A slew of AACM 50th anniversary celebrations this weekend
Music and discussions all weekend long as part of the ongoing 50th birthday
- Music, Music Feature Oct 21, 2014
-
-
An interview with MacArthur 'genius,' jazz pianist, and composer Vijay Iyer
Iyer's mutant style—at the intersection of two rich but usually parallel traditions—should make him one of the most interesting draws at this year's Chicago Humanities Festival.
- Music, Music Feature Jul 23, 2014
-
-
Will Chicago's most daring and virtuosic jazz singer finally get the recognition she deserves?
Dee Alexander has earned international acclaim, but fame has eluded her. Her great new album, Songs My Mother Loves, might change that.
- Blogs, Bleader Apr 4, 2014
-
-
The progeny of Phil Cohran mesmerize in Brothers Hypnotic
WTTW screens a vibrant documentary about the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble on Monday evening.
- Music, Music Feature Aug 27, 2013
-
-
The Reader's guide to the 35th annual Chicago Jazz Festival
The fest moves to Millennium Park with its best lineup in five years—including Jack DeJohnette, Wadada Leo Smith, Atomic, Robert Glasper, Jimmy Heath, Satoko Fujii, and lots of Hamid Drake.
- Music, Music Feature Aug 27, 2013
-
-
Thursday and Friday: 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival according to Reader writers
Jack DeJohnette, Wadada Leo Smith, Hamid Drake, and others highlight the first two days of Jazz Fest.
- Music, In Rotation Jun 6, 2013
-
-
In Rotation: MCA curator Dieter Roelstraete on Constellation
Plus: Painter Lisa Alvarado on Esteban "Steve" Jordan's Echoplex accordion, the Reader's Peter Margasak on Afro-rockers Colomach, and more
