Author Archives: The Independent Ear

A performance of Gerald Clayton’s “Piedmont Blues” project exemplified the DMV’s jazz concert calendar recently at Strathmore Music Center in suburban Maryland The DC metro area, which we refer to hereabouts as the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia) is a … Continue reading →

Pianist-composer-educator Darrell Grant is someone I first spotted for his very accomplished work many moons ago with first Betty Carter, then with Tony Williams‘ quintet. Fact is even in those late-80s/early 90s days there were more than a few exceptional … Continue reading →

Roughly a year ago in an interview with Elan Mehler we introduced Newvelle Records, a very promising new vinyl-only boutique record label in development. At that point Newvelle was on the cusp of its first release, among those a solo … Continue reading →

Just in case you missed it, the Independent Ear is all about spotlighting enterprising musicians. One such artist is most assuredly drummer-bandleader Gerry Gibbs. From his Thrasher Dream Trio dreaming big with such masterful partners as NEA Jazz Masters pianist … Continue reading →

Newly-minted NEA Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith held Hammond B-3 court at the Nightclub at MJF ’16 (photo: Ron Scott) MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL COLD NIGHTS HOT MUSIC By Ron Scott While waiting in the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) for my … Continue reading →