Art Ensemble of Chicago News

Musicians constantly dialogue with two entities: themselves and tradition. Music is rarely ever totally new, but builds on what has come before, adding extensions and responses.

John Zorn's Tzadik label continues to honor the genius of Wadada Leo Smith, this time with a crucial collection of material he recorded and released himself on his Kabell label in the seventies.

Each January, groups and solo artists perform at a variety of Greenwich Village clubs under the banner of Winter Jazzfest; last Friday and Saturday nights, the eighth annual festival featured more than 60 acts in five venues, all for a single fee of only $45. A very satisfying weekend, except perhaps for those troubled by the increasing elasticity ... (more)

Pianist Dave Burrell has not received the acclaim he deserves despite actively pursuing his muse for over 40 years.

In the Reader 's latest installment of In Rotation , Rabbit Factory Records honcho and East of Edens Soul Express DJ John Ciba chose as one of his three obsessions Swingin' Snowflakes Jingle Jangle Jazz Party 2011 Christmas Mix , the latest in a series of collections of obscure holiday music assembled for friends by Jam's Andy Cirzan .