Revolutionary Poet Laureate Playwright Imamu Amiri Baraka Dies at 79


Imamu Amiri Baraka His death at Beth Israel Medical Center,Thursday, January 9 was confirmed by his son Ras Baraka, a member of the Newark Municipal Council. He did not specify a cause, but said that Mr. Baraka had been hospitalized since Dec. 21. Mr. Baraka was famous as one of the major forces in the…

Remembering The Gentle Giant: RIP YUSEF LATEEF


posted by Robert J. Carmack    Grammy Award-winning, Tennessee-born jazz musician/composer Yusef Lateef  died recently at his home in Shutesbury, Mass.The saxophonist was raised in Detroit and was 93 when he died of age-related complications Monday, December 23. According to his family, he passed peacefully at home. I first experienced Yusef  Lateef’s music as a…

Remembering Alice Coltrane: She Stood In Her Own Shadow


posted by Robert J. Carmack For more than five decades, the Coltrane name remains at the forefront of modern music. It is lauded throughout the United States as well as internationally where it has received great acclaim. The musical offerings cover an eclectic variety of artistic expressions recorded on ABC Impulse, Warner Bros., and Impulse-Universal. Alice Coltrane, (McLeod) August…

JAZZ MASTER DRUMMER STEVE BERRIOS DEAD AT 68


Jazz Musician,Drummer/Percussionist  Steve Berrios has died . Details are sketchy at this time  surrounding the cause of death. It was announced by a few unnamed close friends Thursday night  July 25, including longtime friend, Drummer Alvin Queen posting it on his personal Facebook page. We will be following this story up with more details as…

New UnSung E-Zine / Blog Launching July 4 Blues Jazz Soul


Hipster Sanctuary  E-Zine/ Blog for the Unsung  An Enclave for the Serious Music Lover of  Blues, Soul & Jazz launching July 4 2013.   The Hipster Sanctuary  E-Zine/Blog  is focused primarily on UNSUNG  artists of  Jazz, Blues and Soul Genres. We’ll profile, explore, interview and publicize information to, commemorate, or uplift the legacy of these artists who…

Noted Jazz Master Pianist Mulgrew Miller Hospitalized After Massive Stroke


        #wingspan_With saddening news, I was informed by jazz insiders late this week regarding Jazz Pianist #Mulgrew Miller  was rushed to an unnamed hospital after  suffering  a severe Stroke. Close friends and family are asking fans to keep Mulgrew in their prayers. No details were offered at this time. As more information…

SOUL JAZZ MUSICIAN COMPOSER DONALD BYRD SUCCUMBS AT 80


Coming  this February 8 , a Jazz profile on the late #Donald Byrd, #Detroit- born Soul #Jazzmaster . who passed peacefully in his sleep at age 80 Monday morning. Further information surrounding his death and the memorial services forthcoming as  it becomes available. (Donald Byrd shown on right)

CLIFFORD JORDAN SWINGS LIKE A GATE!


Originally posted on Empty Chair:
Clifford Jordan: Mosaic [Starting Time/A Story Tale] (1961) Milestone CD 47092 [2001] Jazzland 52 + Jazzland 40 Track list: 01 – Sunrise In Mexico 02 – Extempore 03 – Down Through The Years 04 – Quittin’ Time 05 – One Flight Down 06 – Windmill 07 – Don’t You Know…