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New music from artists features original compositions in latin, soul jazz, and a new take on funk. Let's take a look at some of the best albums of the week.

For jazz musicians, playing at the Village Vanguard is a special event. To record there is a rite of passage. How can you not bring your best stuff, knowing who brought theirs before? Here are five notable glimpses into the world's most famous jazz joint.

Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most recognized voices in jazz history. As a teen, her dream was to be a dancer, but fate had different plans for her. "Lady Ella" possessed a three-octave range, was noted for her pure tone, and is widely considered one of the finest Great American Songbook interpreters.

The summer of 1958 was the season of bossa nova. Fifty years ago, a movement of melody, harmony, lyrics, and rhythm sent a fresh wave of sound throughout Brazil.

Everyone knows the expression, "April showers bring May flowers." The beauty of flowers inspires songs of color, happiness, love, and passion, with a hint of the summer yet to come. In honor of the season, here's a small bouquet of jazz with a floral flair.

Marian McPartland, world-renowned jazz pianist and host of NPR's Piano Jazz, thought that an all-time favorite song list was impossible. Here, she offers her current Top 5: the songs and recordings that she's listening to right now.

Thelonious Monk, who would have been 91 on Thursday, wrote many great songs. But a great many covers of his music wind up butchered by interpreters who seem not to understand it. From the scores of full-length tributes, here are five which demonstrate the good sense to keep Monk weird.

Rock music may give the electric guitar fire, but avant-garde jazz musicians often re-think the instrument beyond its basic, melody- and rhythm-based functions. Here are five musicians who eschew standard conventions and instead approach the guitar as a device of pure sound.

No road trip is complete without a great car. And while classic wheels aren't great for your carbon footprint — not to mention your travel budget — here are five songs that go well with a ride in an old-fashioned luxury gas-guzzler.

August is a month for moving at a relaxed pace, so it's a perfect time to seek out a tall cool one and some music to go with it. Here are five tunes to help you find the happily you're ever after.