Artist of the Month
Bobby McFerrin is an acclaimed composer, arranger, bandleader, conductor, singer, and songwriter whose unique vocalizing runs the gamut from simple melodic lines to scat singing, to percussive sounds to multiphonics that can mimic several vocalists singing at the same time. Born Robert Keith McFerrin Jr. on March 11, 1950, in New York City, Bobby grew […]
Mildred Bailey, often called the “Queen of Swing,” was a Native American jazz singer during the 1930s. Known for her light soprano voice, clear articulation, and jazz phrasing, Bailey was one of the first nonblack performers to become a skilled jazz singer. Bailey was born in 1907 on a farm in rural Washington but grew […]
Yoron Israel is an American jazz drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, educator, author, composer, and music director from Chicago. There’s very little he can’t do! As a child, he learned to play the organ and trumpet before switching to drums. His amateur career began in high school when he played in an R&B group led by his […]
As WICN celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, and recognizes Brazilian Independence Day on September 7th, we honor Flora Purim. Often called “The Queen of Brazilian Jazz,” Purim is a complete singer who comfortably performs many types of American and Latin music. Coming of age in Rio de Janeiro, […]
Nicole Zuraitis is a two-time Grammy-winning and four-time Grammy-nominated jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer. Known for her fluid, soulful sound, sophisticated harmony, and effervescent stage presence, Nicole has become a standout voice in contemporary jazz. A native of Connecticut, Nicole attended Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. Recognizing Nicole’s immense talent, her […]
When you listen to a jazz vocalist for the first time, whether they have a local, national, or international reputation, chances are that you, as a listener, have both anticipation and expectation. As an avid listener with decades of experience, I know full well that, unlike instrumentalists, jazz vocalists cannot hide musically. Guitarists have block […]
Many exceptional jazz musicians who remain outside of wide commercial success, in some cases, have chosen an independent path to be away from the constant physical, emotional, and commercial demands of a touring lifestyle. One such musician, Shirley Horn, would define herself based on her own brilliant piano accompaniment and a remarkably expressive voice, as […]
Within the civil rights struggle against South Africa’s apartheid (1948-1994), the voice of protest had to take many forms. Musically, in representation of political protest, and bringing worldwide attention to racial and societal injustice, South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer Hugh Masekela has been described as “the father of South African jazz.” […]
Each jazz instrument has its history of legendary players. Think Miles on the trumpet; Coltrane on the sax; Monk at the piano. There are many such superb musicians who are universally revered for their craftsmanship and innovation. When it comes to jazz drummers, as well as a bandleader, Roy Haynes had an oversized reach of […]
Close friendships between jazz musicians don’t always translate to a combination that creates a chemistry and bond, professionally and personally. Yet in the case of David “Fathead” Newman and R&B giant and bandleader Ray Charles, their friendship connected them to a decade-long musical relationship from which the most seminal work of Charles’s career was recorded. Both […]