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Kevin Whitehead

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06:18

'The Edenfred Files': Darryl Harper's Blues-Infused Jazz.

On the clarinetist's latest album, the blues might be modernized or tweaked, but it's never far away. Fresh Air's jazz critic says The Edenfred Files is modest in a good way, like a musical chapbook or novella. The scale suits Harper's pointedly focused music.

Review
07:45

Two New Jazz Albums Recall The Wide Open Spaces of The West.

Oregon saxophonist Rich Halley takes inspiration from the Wallowa mountain range on his new album Crossing the Passes. On Boss of the Plains, Chicago-based trio Wheelhouse makes music that evokes the Great Plains and wind chimes on a porch when the weather changes.

Review
06:51

'My Ellington': A Pianist Gives Duke Her Personal Touch

As a Japanese expatriate in Berlin, jazz pianist Aki Takase has an outsider's perspective on jazz and insder wisdom that comes from careful study. Her new album of Duke Ellington tunes reflects influences such as Thelonious Monk and Arnold Schoenberg, as well.

Review
08:04

Bing Crosby: From The Vaults, Surprising Breadth.

Four albums of reissues and archival recordings from Crosby's own vaults are getting a high-profile release; they demonstrate that his influence on modern singing is so huge, we barely notice it anymore. He could sing anything from Latin to Hawaiian to The Great American Songbook.

Review
08:14

Earl Hines: Big Bands And Beyond On A New Box Set

Mosaic Records has released Classic Earl Hines Sessions 1928-1945. a seven-disc showcase for the jazz pianist and bandleader. Hines' right hand played lines in bright, clear octaves -- and his left hand had a mind of its own.

Review
06:38

Barry Altschul: The Jazz Drummer Makes A Comeback.

On his new album, The 3dom Factor, Altschul is great at mixing opposites: abstract melodic concepts with parade beats, open improvising and percolating swing. The album is the sort of comeback that reminds you how much good music the artist made the first time around.

Review

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