Jazz Explorer

05/05/2026

Happy birthday to the great bassist, Ron Carter!

02/01/2026

Remembering the great Joe Sample on his birthday (Feb 1, 1939 – Sep 12, 2014)

01/24/2026

12/05/2025

Happy birthday to Art Davis (1934–2007) — a bassist whose work with John Coltrane left a lasting mark on the history of modern jazz.

Davis was a highly educated player with a big, focused sound and a deep interest in rhythm, harmony and structure. Coltrane wanted him on some of his most exploratory projects, including Africa/Brass, Olé Coltrane, parts of The Complete Africa Sessions and the early stages of Ascension. Davis once said that Coltrane pushed him harder than anyone else — and that he loved the challenge.

Several writers have described Art Davis as “Coltrane’s favourite bassist,” reflecting the respect between them and the intensity of their work together. Whether “favourite” is the right word is up for discussion — but it’s clear Davis played a unique role in Coltrane’s music during a period of rapid change.

Did you know... he later earned a PhD in psychology, taught at universities, recorded as a leader, and continued fighting for recognition for jazz musicians?!

10/27/2025

Hi Jazz Explorer !
A jazz great has passed away. The legendary drummer died on October 26, 2025, at the age of 83.

From his early days playing piano in Chicago with the AACM, he became a driving force behind some of the most daring fusions in jazz. He made a name for himself with Charles Lloyd's quartet and then replaced Tony Williams as the lead drummer on Miles Davis's 1969 album Bi***es Brew. Miles admired his ability to combine rock grooves with jazz improvisation.

From co-founding the renowned Standards Trio with Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock to leading his own projects, such as Compost and Special Edition, DeJohnette's influence was immense. His ability to play free jazz, jazz fusion, and R&B made him one of the most respected musicians of his generation.

Thank you for the music, Jack.

10/22/2025

10/17/2025

Oscar Peterson

"Waltz for Debby" is a jazz standard composed by pianist Bill Evans. He recorded it as a solo piano piece on his album New Jazz Conceptions (1956). Lyrics we...

10/17/2025

Happy birthday to the legendary Cozy Cole (October 17, 1909–January 29, 1981)!
This American jazz great and versatile percussionist is best remembered for his 1958 smash hit, "Topsy," the only recording featuring a drum solo to sell over a million copies. Now that's rhythm!

09/30/2025

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupI Wish You Love (2004 Remastered/Remixed) · Nancy WilsonSomething Wonderful℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLCReleased on...

09/28/2025

Nina Simone (by Alfred Wertheimer)