Early experiences count for a lot. After reedist Aram Shelton moved to Chicago in 1999, fresh out of college, he became an integral part of an interdependent community of jazz musicians who were ready to realize one another’s concepts. Shelton left town in 2005, but he’s continued his practice of embedding himself in a scene, […]
Tag: Anton Hatwich
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A eulogy for Danny’s Tavern
For decades, Danny’s nurtured a devoted and welcoming community of music lovers—but it couldn’t survive the pandemic.
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Chicago jazz guitarist Tim Stine drops an engagingly off-kilter new trio album
Chicago jazz guitarist Tim Stine drops an engagingly off-kilter new trio album, a 26-track compilation benefits the staff of the shuttered Crown Liquors, and more.
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The Bridge unites improvisers from France and Chicago
Several times each year since 2013, a network of improvising musicians called the Bridge has facilitated exchanges of players from France and Chicago. Each iteration assembles a core group drawn from both sides of the Atlantic, and they perform a series of concerts, sometimes welcoming additional players and always developing a unique ensemble chemistry and […]
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The Reader’s guide to the 2019 Chicago Jazz Festival
This year’s lineup details a sprawling cross section of the genre, including world-changing explorers the Art Ensemble of Chicago, trad band the Fat Babies, venerable guitarist George Freeman, and restless experimenter Rob Mazurek.
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Guitarist and soul singer Isaiah Sharkey drops a kaleidoscopic new record
Guitarist and soul singer Isaiah Sharkey drops a kaleidoscopic new album, black metal takes on the Fantastic Four, and more.
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Michael Zerang explores time, tone, and light with a musical coffin from Moby-Dick
This weekend Chicago percussionist Michael Zerang plays an instrument called Queequeg’s Coffin with a string quartet for the drone piece Follow the Light.
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International Anthem brings punk idealism to progressive jazz
Chicago label International Anthem puts in the sweat to bring progressive jazz the audience it deserves.
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Trumpeter Jaimie Branch finally spreads her wings
More than 12 years after her blazing debut on the Chicago jazz scene, trumpeter Jaimie Branch releases Fly or Die, her first album as a bandleader.
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The ten best jazz records of 2016
This year’s best jazz records include a large-ensemble concept album about conspiracy theories, a tug-of-war between loops and live-band grooves, and an amazing hybrid of jazz and hip-hop.
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Overlooked guitar god Harvey Mandel borrows Ryley Walker’s band for his new album
Forty-seven years after Harvey Mandel played Woodstock with Canned Heat, Snake Pit could be the record that finally gets the guitarist his due.
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James Swanberg of Today’s Hits plays 100 songs at one show
James Swanberg of Today’s Hits plays 100 songs at one show, the You Are Here festival sets up a maze beneath Thalia Hall, and more.
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Guitarist Ryley Walker lets go of the reins on the unruly but pastoral Primrose Green
He’s tried punk, noise, and Fahey-style fingerpicking, but he’s about to reach his biggest audience yet with the jazzy, open-ended folk-rock on his new album.
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Ryley Walker continues making gorgeous folk music on ‘Primrose Green’
Today’s 12 O’Clock Track is the gorgeous title track from the fingerstyle prodigy’s upcoming LP.
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Our favorite music of 2014
Six Reader music writers share their favorites from 2014 with year-end lists that do more than just put the same records in a different order.