Author Archives: The Independent Ear

Lots of inertia surrounding 2015 as the centennial year of the birth of American music immortal Billie Holiday. The tributes have included several recordings, most notably Cassandra Wilson and Jose James separate re-imaginings of Lady Day. From the literary perspective … Continue reading →

For folks living in the Northeast Corridor, Cape May on the Jersey Shore offers many pleasures, including a pristine beachfront. Located 90 miles from the Philly area, those folks certainly know the numbers, as substantiated by a local who informed … Continue reading →

One of the hallmarks of the annual DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) is our ongoing jazz education program engagement with the Jazzin’ At Sitar program, under the leadership of distinguished DC bassist Herman Burney. Jessica Boykin-Settles, herself an aspiring jazz vocalist, … Continue reading →

The number of black publication efforts on behalf of jazz has been quite modest when one considers the number of jazz publications in the aggregate sense. Currently the most notable – and noble – effort in that regard is Jo … Continue reading →

The historic Harlem community of New York City and U Street of Washington, DC are two of the most storied crossroads of the black experience in America. And there is more than a little shared history and more than a … Continue reading →