In January 2021, I profiled local percussionist Tim Daisy by detailing his creative response to the limitations imposed by COVID-19. At the time, he had just issued a virtual collaboration with electronic musician Ikue Mori on his own label, Relay Recordings. While Daisy has continued to exploit the potentialities of home recording and technologically facilitated […]
Tag: Josh Berman
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Bob Koester leaves a colossal legacy in Chicago jazz and blues
For nearly 70 years, Bob Koester owned the Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records—and though his businesses could be “crazy town,” they helped nurture thriving communities.
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Finding ways to play through the pandemic
Chicago improvisers Tim Daisy and Matt Piet have responded to the challenges of COVID by learning new ways to record alone.
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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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Nonpareil improvising guitarist Sandy Ewen returns to Chicago
Ever since guitarist Sandy Ewen moved from Texas to New York City in 2017, she’s been a prolific performer, both at conventional venues (Bushwick Public House, Downtown Music Gallery) and at house shows. Sometimes she’ll gig more than once a day, improvising with the likes of Stephen Gauci, Daniel Carter, Maria Chavez, and Michael Vatcher. […]
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Mars Williams brings his Albert Ayler Xmas across Europe and back home to Chicago
This year’s free-jazz holiday tour includes two shows at the Hungry Brain with his band Witches & Devils and special guests.
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Reedist Aram Shelton reconnects with old friends on his first return visit since 2015
Aram Shelton gigs with current Copenhagen comrade Håkon Berre and long-running Chicago collaborators Tim Daisy, Jason Roebke, and Josh Berman.
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Chicago saxophonist Dave Rempis builds an intentional community in jazz
Dave Rempis organizes concerts, mentors young musicians, and connects players from across the States and abroad—modeling the commitment and generosity that keep the jazz scene viable.
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Chicago bass clarinetist Jason Stein isn’t kidding around
Not even arena gigs with his famous sister, comedian Amy Schumer, can tempt Jason Stein from his drive to make better jazz.
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Seven portraits of the Chicago Jazz Festival
The compelling characters at this year’s Jazz Festival include avant-garde elder Roscoe Mitchell, indefatigable experimenter Mary Halvorson, and defiantly joyful South African survivor Louis Moholo-Moholo.
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Chicago cornetist Josh Berman shakes up his refined practice
Josh Berman has historically worked slowly and carefully, but he’s playing the Jazz Festival with an untested new quartet.
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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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Now Is Podcast host Ben Remsen on the jazz giants who walk among us
Current musical obsessions of Axons drummer Amanda Kraus, Now Is Podcast host Ben Remsen, and Reader music editor Philip Montoro
Posted inBlogs
Remembering Jazz Record Mart from inside
The legendary Jazz Record Mart wasn’t a treasure just because of its massive inventory—it was also a hothouse of musical creativity.
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Detholz! and friends throw a Groundhog Day party in memory of bassist Ben Miranda
Detholz! and friends throw a Groundhog Day party in memory of bassist Ben Miranda, Caribbean dance night Feel the Rhythm makes its overdue return, and more.