Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers. He also took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE. Here, his August 2020 release reached Number One on the iTunes jazz charts within twenty-four hours. Buckner’s music is a fusion of his influences: Gospel, R&B, hip hop, African […]

Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. Born in Berkeley, California, he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, […]

Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists to have emerged in the decade of the 1990s. Born in Berkeley, California, he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, […]

Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also, he reformed his swinging group, formerly Combo 66, […]

Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also, he reformed his swinging group, formerly Combo 66, […]

It’s a strange thing, watching audiences sing along with Alex without speaking his native Spanish. But they do. They “la-la-la” their way from chorus to chorus, caught up in his inescapable gravitational pull. His warm, elastic vocals float above a sound essentially from everywhere. It’s an effortless mix of funk, soul, and pan-Latin textures, and […]

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown […]

Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown […]

Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist, composer and arranger. Kavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates, and currently calls St. Paul, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist, he is […]

Fresh, unusual treatments of thirteen songs by Lennon and McCartney. Tasteful and fun arrangements that put a new spin on songs you thought you knew. Minnesota born-and-raised, Connie Evingson has a catalog of acclaimed albums that cover a wide range within the jazz genre. the Twin Cities-based singer has an adventurous spirit that, like her […]

Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover, the band is converting audiences one show at […]

Soulful, passionate, stirring… these are the words that describe Kirk Whalum's music most often. Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. It’s forged from his Memphis gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming […]