Jazz great Bria Skonberg embraces the music she loves on her newest albumA regular performer in Sacramento, trumpet player Bria Skonberg celebrates New Orleans with her new album, “What It Means.” Listen /Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
Kamasi Washington's Heaven Exists In His MindJune 28, 2018The jazz torchbearer's new record Heaven and Earth represents the relationship between his inner world and outward reality.
Insight With Vicki GonzalezSound Advice: Gary Vercelli's Jazz RecommendationsJune 21, 2018Jazz Music Director Gary Vercelli previews the Ali Ryerson Quartet's concert at the Crocker tonight as part of this week’s Sound Advice.
Destined For Jazz, Flutist Ali Ryerson Carves Her Own PathJune 20, 2018 | Devan KortanFor Ali Ryerson, a life in jazz was almost preordained. And yet, she has carved out her own distinct identity. She’s a jazz musician who loves being different, from the instrument she plays to the groups she plays with.
Insight With Vicki GonzalezPercussionist Alex Jenkins Previews Live Album ConcertJune 5, 2018 | Jen PicardPercussionist Alex Jenkins will record a live album with his quartet this Sunday June 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the CLARA Auditorium, presented by the Midtown Vanguard Jazz Series.
First Ever Jazz Fest In Roseville A Big HitJune 3, 2018 | Paul ConleyThe inaugural Roseville Jazz Day featured more than 30 performances at seven venues attracting enthusiastic audiences on Saturday, May 26th. The stylistically diverse festival carries on a long, local tradition of live jazz over Memorial Day weekend.
The Manhattan Transfer And Member Cheryl Bentyne Rebound From Tumultuous Decade With New AlbumMay 25, 2018 | Paul ConleyIt’s been 10 years since The Manhattan Transfer released an album. On Saturday, the award-winning vocal ensemble will premiere their brand new recording, “The Junction,” as they headline the inaugural Roseville Jazz Day.
Insight With Vicki GonzalezJazz Trumpeter Joe Mazzaferro Shares New Album 'In Terms Of…' May 21, 2018 | Cody DrabbleJazz trumpeter Joe Mazzaferro previews his album release show at CLARA Auditorium for his latest record, "In Terms Of…"
Veteran Bandleader David Hardiman On Duke, Dancing And Calls To The PostMay 21, 2018 | Gary G. VercelliJazz trumpeter David Hardiman has led all star big bands for four decades but he began reaching his largest audiences as a solo act, once he was hired as the bugler for Bay Meadows. Now he plays "Call To The Post" every weekend at Golden Gate Fields
Highlights Worth Hearing From The Excellence In Jazz ArchivesApril 30, 2018In celebration of International Jazz Day on April 30, we've plumbed the Excellence In Jazz archives for highlights from features we've done over the years, from interviews with Jimmy Smith and Joey Alexander to the story behind "Take Five."
Insight MusicMino Yanci Explores Musical Freedom With A Jazz Fusion StreakApril 27, 2018 | Cody DrabbleSacramento jazz fusion group Mino Yanci has performed at SXSW, the San Jose Jazz Festival and across Northern California. The band’s name translates from two African languages into “musical freedom.”
