The Original Dixieland Jazz Band's first recording in Feb. 1917 is often cited as the first jazz record ever, but critic Kevin Whitehead says that the roots of jazz stretch a little further back. This ...

One of the pleasures of the annual Dance Chicago festival is the opportunity to see less familiar groups on bills with older, more established performers. And one of the most impressive new companies ...

"The Rhythm of Invention" is the title track from Grammy nominated trombonist, composer, arranger and educator Wayne Wallace's album of the same name. The song brings together funk, bata, and ...

Just three percussion instruments – the conga, bongos and timbales – transform a big band into a Latin ensemble full of upbeat melodies and unexpected rhythms. The fusion occurs every Thursday night ...

Why is Christian Science in our name? Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and we’ve always been transparent about that. The church publishes the ...

The African Jazz Ensemble may be the best kept musical secret in Memphis. Founded over two decades ago by Ekpe Abioto, they’ve forged a hybrid blend of influences with an impressive roster of players, ...

After the self-produced Imaginary Mountains (2020) French experimental collective Ghost Rhythms returns to Cuneiform Records with a sequel to Live At Yoshiwara (Cuneiform Records, 2019). With roughly ...

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing — all you’ve got to do is stagger your timing. For decades, fans of jazz music have debated why some songs have swing — the characteristic swaying ...

The monthlong Dance Chicago festival closes this weekend with two performances of the second “Jazz Rhythms” program as well as “Finale” on Sunday afternoon and evening and “Dance for Kids, Too!” on ...