Kevin Whitehead

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the blues singer's reissued album of Bessie Smith songs is a winner. Recent attempts of contemporary pop singers to cover the work of classic artists can't compare to recordings of Baker's era.

Kevin Whitehead says that some listeners place too much emphasis on Tom Harrell's schizophrenia, which often makes him appear withdrawn while performing. Whitehead thinks they should pay more attention to how the jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player can make fresh music out of familiar ideas.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Carla Bley is an exceptional composer and piano player, but he's frustrated by how uneven her output has been throughout the 1980s. Her new album, Duets, with bassist Steve Swallow is a reminder of how good her music used to be. A reissue of an excellent, earlier record, Social Studies, is also available.

Koglmann plays both composed classical and improvised music. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the unconventional approaches on his new album, About Yesterdays Ezzthetics, may not be be new, but they succeed in making a unique record.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Hoagy Sings Carmichael, which features the songwriter's performances with an excellent jazz ensemble. Whitehead says their contributions make this album Carmichael's best.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that a number of New Orleans musicians left the city after they rose to prominence. He reviews a new series of albums featuring the innovations of players who stayed in their hometown.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead shares his favorite releases of the year -- which include three reissues of classic recordings.

Trumpeter Jack Walrath played with Charles Mingus, and now leads his own band in the new album Wholly Trinity. Kevin Whitehead says the record is filled filled with variety and humor, and is Walrath's best yet.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the movie star had a range of about six notes, but he had personality and a swinging house band. Yet Astaire deserves praise for making famous several songs which later became standards.

Saxophonist Bobby Watson learned a lot about band dynamics from performing with the acclaimed drummer. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Watson's new album, No Question About It, features excellent performances from all the players, but the arrangements go on a little too long before the improvising begins.