The acclaimed pianist reflects on a lifetime of adapting tools never designed for blind musicians, how his mother taught him that communicating feeling matters more than technical perfection, and why he believes technology's moral compass must always stay ahead of its capabilities.
After two decades together, Miguel Zenón's quartet documents their chemistry on 'Vanguardia Subterránea,' a live recording from the Village Vanguard that brings together family tributes, geographical coordinates, and the deep musical connection between New York and Puerto Rico.
The legendary On-U Sound producer discusses 'The Collapse of Everything,' his first solo album in thirteen years, and why treating the mixing desk as a live instrument remains his most radical act.
The Australian trumpeter discusses 'Ŋurru Wäŋa', the concept of raki that underpins his quintet's practice, and what he learned from his musical relationship with Wágilak song keepers Daniel and David Wilfred.
The founding member of Kronos Quartet discusses the origins of "Hard Rain," a reimagining of Dylan's nuclear anthem that unites nearly fifty artists across generations and continents, and reflects on five decades of using the string quartet to address the crises that define our moment.
Ten years after 'The New Breed' merged his love of J Dilla with his background in jazz composition, the Tortoise guitarist discusses mentorship, the practical realities of a music career, and why he makes the records he wants to hear.
The Paris-based organist's album 'Brace for Impact' pairs the seventy-eight-stop pipe organ at St. Antonius Church with Stephen O'Malley's metal riffs, Xenakis-inspired glissandos, and iPad-based composition software.
The author of 'Rebel Rebel' discusses his revised deep dive into David Bowie's formative years, the organic growth of his song-by-song blog, and why he fears the resources that supported his research may not exist for future music writers.
The saxophonist discusses his latest album 'Lullaby for the Lost,' the ongoing evolution of the Blackstar Symphony, and why he's stopped listening to the voice that once told him his music wasn't "hip enough" for the jazz crowd.
The Paisley Underground guitarist discusses the deluxe reissue that finally presents Rain Parade's 1985 album as intended, the supportive Los Angeles scene that shaped them, and how collaborative art remains "the beautiful puzzle" that keeps him creating.
After twenty years of performances and one shelved recording, the pianist-songwriter and cellist finally capture their unique blend of contemporary classical, avant-jazz, and American folk on 'Reno'.
In his latest book, 'The Jazzmen,' Tye examines how Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie fought racial injustice offstage, using their fame to push America toward a more equitable future.