Author Archives: The Independent Ear

To understand why great jazz radio still matters we’ve been turning to those essential jazz radio voices around the country who make a difference, and who continue to deliver the sound to their listening audiences and work diligently to grow … Continue reading →

Our ongoing series of virtual conversations with jazz broadcasters on why Great Jazz Radio Still Matters, we hear from disparate parts of the country – from New Orleans, Chicago and Los Angeles. Middleton O’Malley – known to his friends as … Continue reading →

African Rhythms Chapter 10 Making a Home in Africa © Willard Jenkins “Son, never forget what you are.  You’re an African.  Though you were born here in the United States of America, you are an African.  An African born in … Continue reading →

My recent, extremely rewarding and gratifying experience with the NEA Jazz Masters as recipient of the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters A.B. Spellman award for Jazz Advocacy has provided plenty of room for reflection, including some precious opportunities to participate in … Continue reading →

Among the many travels I was afforded while working with NEA Jazz Master pianist-composer-bandleader Randy Weston (African Rhythms, 2010 Duke University Press) was an extremely pleasant journey to Annecy, France, a lovely alpine town hard by Lake Annecy and the … Continue reading →