An outsized number of jazz heavyweights call Houston and its surrounding area home — here, they speak of the situation down south and their concerns for its future.
Donny McCaslin Is Living The Dream

His band’s work supporting David Bowie on his final album, “Blackstar,” has moved saxophonist and composer Donny McCaslin’s Group into the spotlight in the last couple years, and the pride of Santa Cruz, California is ready for it. Expounding on the legendary pop star’s finale, McCaslin told us that Bowie was looking for his quartet […]
Wadada Leo Smith’s Defiant And Fearless Elegy For Emmett Till (In 360˚ VR)

Watch Wadada Leo Smith play a tribute to Emmett Till while floating down the same river where, over 60 years earlier, Till’s lifeless 14-year-old body was found.
Vijay Iyer On Jazz’s ‘History Of Defiance,’ His Influences And Playing In A Sextet
The acclaimed jazz pianist and Harvard music professor talks with NPR’s Scott Simon about the Vijay Iyer Sextet’s new album, Far From Over, and the politics that inspired it.