Durand Jones and the Indications have built a following on modern soul that feels warm, textured, and deeply rooted in classic R&B traditions. Formed in Bloomington, Indiana, the band leans into rich harmonies, tight rhythm sections, and songwriting that balances vulnerability with groove.
Metalachi takes the pumping, undeniable, brass-winded sounds and haunted soul of Mariachi and combines forces with metal songs. Out of Los Angeles, and composed of classically trained musicians, this isn't a schlock shop enterprise.
Celebrated by the BBC as one of the city's top 8 literary destinations, The Urbane Arts Club is more than just a venue-it's a vibrant hub for culture and creativity. Through an eclectic mix of literary launches, musical showcases, and theatrical performances, it fosters an environment rich in conversation and artistic expression.
When Berry Gordy Jr. founded Motown Records in 1959, only a select few had any clue about the cavalcade of indelible sounds, life-changing songs, and beautiful faces that were about to become part of the American soundscape.
The Grand Tasting is the best value. For $69 per person, guests may select three sample-sized entrees, and their choice of white or red wine (my server allowed me to swap out my drink for a nonalcoholic hibiscus lemonade). While servings are smaller than those offered a la carte, each portion is still quite hefty. The New Orleans gumbo yakamein ($39) suited the cold Chicago day I visited.
Now we finally know when the venue will open and its opening lineup. Jazz-heads, mark your calendars for Friday February 6, which is when Upstairs At Ronnie's will open with two events. The first slot (5pm-8.45pm) will be occupied by soul and jazz singer Dana Masters, with the 'late late show' (11.15pm onward) set to be from Cuban band Viva Cuba.
Footballhead by Calla Flanagan Footballhead by Calla Flanagan If you like emo, grunge, and other rock subgenres of the '90s and early 2000s, you should be getting excited for Chicago band Footballheads upcoming sophomore album Weight of the Truth, which arrives March 20 via Tiny Engines (pre-order). Three singles are out from it now, including Used To Be (which we named one of the best punk & emo songs of November) and the newly-released Diversion, which you can listen to below.
Flipping through the jazz section on a visit to his local record store a few years ago, artist Kye Potter found a battered tape by American pianist and composer Jessica Williams. It looked every bit the quintessential DIY release. The labels had come off the tape, he says. It was home-dubbed, with photocopied notes, a little bit of highlighter to accentuate the artwork, and released on her own label, Ear Art.
A trumpeter and composer of rare intuition and inspiration, Blanchard will perform Feb. 20 in Miami as part of the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts' acclaimed Jazz Roots series, returning to his iconic Malcolm X Jazz Suite with his band, The E-Collective, and two-time Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet. Created after he wrote the score for the 1992 Spike Lee biopic "Malcolm X," Blanchard has over the years updated and expanded the suite, performed here as part of the ongoing centennial celebration of the slain civil rights icon. Visit ArshtCenter.org.
The 2026 edition of NYC Winter Jazzfest wrapped up on Tuesday (1/12) with a special reimagining of Miles Davis' classic 1970 album Bitches Brew at Le Poisson Rouge, to celebrate Davis' centennial year. The evening, which was also dedicated to the late Bob Weir, began with a discussion of the album between Adam O'Farrill and Lenny White, who drummed on the original recording at age 19. He mentioned how Davis liked to cook, and directed White to be the "salt."
The architect of the bestselling jazz album of all time, 1959's Kind of Blue, trumpeter Miles Davis is a towering figure in the history of the genre. Possessed of a piercing tone, innate melodic sensibility and a singularly uncompromising approach on the bandstand, Davis spent his five-decade career presiding over numerous stylistic shifts: bebop to cool jazz, modal jazz, electronic fusion, jazz funk and even hip-hop.
The 2026 Oakland music scene is kicking off strong with some must-see events this month. First up, the legendary Oakland funk band Tower of Power is taking over Yoshi's for the next three weekends. Four of the shows are already sold out. The 22nd annual Living Jazz "In the Name of Love" concert at the Paramount Theatre will feature the music of another Bay Area icon, Sly and the Family Stone.