Category: AJBlogs

Here’s some history of a 1980s funding coup pulled off by opera companies, theater companies, and Broadway producers — one that made a huge difference for some great artists who had been caught between the funding silos. – Greg Sandow

The Jazz Journalists Association has announced its 2019 award winners. Among them are Ahmad Jamal, Wayne Shorter, Linda May Han Oh, and Bobby Sanabria’s Multiverse Big Band. – Doug Ramsey

This post responds to three things I’ve read recently that have me stewing (again) about the future of big- (and medium-) box nonprofit arts organizations, the ones that bear the DNA of the European aristocratic cultural tradition. – Doug Borwick

Linda May Han Oh, Aventurine (Biophilia)
There’s plenty of adventure here in the bassist-composer’s instrumentation, textures and rhythmic values. The name was suggested, however, by a certain shiny translucent mineral that seems to glow from within. – Doug Ramsey

For a second video interview for my Presenting the Performing Arts class, I talked with Mark Nerenhausen, President/CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust in Minneapolis, who shared the many moving parts in animating and activating a building and a neighborhood through the live performing arts. – Andrew Taylor

As I grow older, I find that my personal definition of what it means to be beautiful is becoming far more encompassing. What no longer catches my eye, however, is youthful prettiness. It is wasted on me, whether in its natural form or in the chemically assisted simulacra that are easy enough to spot. – Terry Teachout

Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins: two artists whose choreography is tightly locked into the DNA of the silver-plated shows they helped create. New choreography for those shows? It’s about ever mother-lovin’ time. – David Jays

“Trumpeter Jason Palmer made it clear with his substantial tone, wide range and flexibility that he had the potential to become one of the new century’s outstanding trumpeters” – and now he has. – Doug Ramsey

Guitarist Frisell and bassist Morgan are captivating in their exploration of pieces whose variety extends from the harmonic challenges of Thelonious Monk to the deceptive simplicity of “Red River Valley.” – Doug Ramsey