Search results for

Damien Chazelle's latest film is a modern take on classic 1930s musicals. It's the story of a musician and a frustrated actress, learning to reconcile their dreams with the reality of Hollywood life.

In the Harlem "rent party" tradition, jazz artists would compete on piano in an apartment for listeners who paid a quarter each to get in. According to many, Fats Waller could outdo all comers. Known for his comic touch, Waller also pioneered the use of the pipe organ in jazz.

In 1956, Louis Armstrong was an international star at the height of his popularity. He also was one of the first to sing in "scat" style, essentially trying to sound out the notes instead of the words. Among many treats, The Best of the Decca Years has one of the best scat solos of all time — "Up a Lazy River."

Singer-songwriter Billy Preston has died in an Arizona hospital, ending a long fight against chronic kidney failure. The Grammy-winning performer gained fame working with artists such as The Beatles, which earned him an album credit for the Fab Four's "Get Back." He also played with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

When Led Zeppelin broke up in 1980, it left fans dazed and confused. For Robert Plant, it created the challenge of going solo after being so closely identified with one of rock's biggest acts.

Songwriting genius Billy Strayhorn is the subject of a new documentary, as well as a fine companion CD. Both are titled Lush Life, after Strayhorn's enduring composition.

The indie movie princess and folk indie prince have joined forces under a simple moniker. Their debut album, which feels like it came from another era, has already landed the duo on multiple critics' Best of 2008 lists.

This week, why not down a shot or two of fiction that runs 25 words? If you're in the mood for something a little deeper, there are biographies of writer Louisa May Alcott and jazzman Thelonious Monk, and memoirs by comic artist R. Crumb and band leader Paul Shaffer.

When George Gershwin wrote "I Got Rhythm" for the 1930s musical Girl Crazy, he created one of the most catchy melodies in American history. But little did he know that his lovable song — apart from becoming a hugely popular jazz standard — would evolve into something far greater.

While the most curious jazz album of 2010 features robots playing the works of guitar wizard Pat Metheny, we're not ready just yet to cave into our new jazz robot overlords. Outside of the robotic army, we pick the best new jazz albums 2010 has had to offer.