We're not objective when it comes to jazz: we believe Blue Note is still the best jazz label, and this year it's celebrating its 70th anniversary. Since 1939 they've pretty much recorded every major jazz figure (with notable exceptions, like Ken Vandermark). Not bad for a company founded by a pair of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. First recording in a series of rented studios, they later used engineer Rudy Van Gelder's genius to create the "Blue Note sound." more ›

There was a time when a little bit of Kurt Elling went a long way. The insanely talented singer always seemed to balance precariously on the gossamer between genius and schmaltz, but Elling always had a knack for pulling the reins tight just when listeners were ready to cringe. Most of the time. Restraint, or knowing when to utilize it, seemed to be one of Elling's shortcomings in the past. more ›

The world of jazz lost another titan in pianist and composer Andrew Hill last Friday at the age of 75. The cause of Mr. Hill's death was lung cancer. more ›