Stuart Nicholson reflects on the enduring artistry of the singer they called Lady Day, talks about how he discovered some of the previously unknown facts he discovered researching her life and discusses the sensational conclusion he came to after his book was published
A completely unique pianist and composer, Thelonious Monk's recordings (both live and in the studio) continue to inspire jazz musicians today, and many of his albums remain essential listening. Here's a quick overview of just a few of his finest moments on record...
In his short but eventful life, trumpeter Lee Morgan rocketed to the highest echelons of jazz in double-quick time – playing with and Art Blakey as a teenager and recording with John Coltrane. Stuart Nicholson dives deep into the difficult truths behind this most mercurial of jazz musicians and assesses his legacy today
Less than a month after Kind of Blue was recorded in 1959, John Coltrane first entered the studio to make what in many ways was that mighty album’s equal: Giant Steps. Stuart Nicholson tells the full story of one of the greatest albums in jazz history
Chick Corea authored some of the most influential jazz recordings of the last 50 years. Here's selection of a few of his finest albums...
From Bud Powell to Michael Wollny via Ahmad Jamal, Duke Ellington, Brad Mehldau and The Bad Plus, these are all outstanding jazz piano trio recordings, a perfect selection for someone discovering jazz for the first time or for the collector looking for something fresh
Here are 10 key recordings plucked by Edwin Pouncey from Ra’s enormous discography that continues to yield up new discoveries and lost musical treasures to this day
The urge to move away from the over-familiar chord progressions of bop led Charles Mingus and Miles Davis to develop new approaches to harmonic movement, and the recording of some of the greatest albums in the history of music
A gathering of many of Chet Baker's finest moments on record, including 'Chet Baker in Paris', 'Stan Meets Chet' and 'Chet Is Back!'
Hard bop emerged in the 1950s, spearheaded by the likes of Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, Art Blakey, Jackie McLean and Sonny Rollins, who between them made some outstanding albums that still resonate loudly today
