This label founded in 1971 gave Afrocentric and psychedelic jazz a home, and found a breakout hit with Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. Take a guided tour through its deep catalog.
Category: Jazz
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Les McCann, a Jazz Pianist and Singer, Dies at 88
He released more than 50 albums but had his greatest commercial success with “Compared to What,” a recording that came together at the last minute in 1969.
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Willie Ruff, Jazz Missionary and Professor, Dies at 92
A master of the French horn, a rarity in jazz, he toured the world with the pianist Dwike Mitchell and taught music at Yale.
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Zita Carno, Concert Pianist, Coltrane Scholar and More, Dies at 88
A veteran of 25 years with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, she was known as much for her eccentricities as for her exceptional musicianship.
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Carlos Lyra, Composer Who Brought Finesse to Bossa Nova, Dies at 90
When Brazilian musicians fused samba with jazz and classical influences in the 1950s and ’60s, he was among the first, and the best.
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A Holiday Version of ‘I’m Just Ken,’ and 12 More Songs
Hear tracks by Central Cee, Kesha, Jason Moran and others.
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Mars Williams, 68, Saxophonist Who Straddled New Wave and Jazz, Dies
He made his name in the 1980s with the Waitresses and the Psychedelic Furs, but his roots were in the exploratory jazz of Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman.
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10 New Christmas Albums for 2023
Our critics on 10 new holiday albums from Cher, Robert Glasper, Sabrina Carpenter and more.
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Nicki Minaj and Drake Reunite, and 10 More New Songs
Hear tracks by Tems, Idles, Adrianne Lenker and others.
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Best Jazz Albums of 2023
The year’s most thrilling albums were made by artists pushing beyond borders, teaming with new collaborators and making bold statements of their own.
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5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Jazz Flute
The flute is one of the more overlooked instruments in jazz, but it’s been making an impact on improvised music for more than 50 years. Let 10 experts take you on a guided tour.
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Cobi Narita, Tireless Jazz Promoter and Benefactor, Dies at 97
She produced concerts, helped musicians find work and started a women’s jazz festival. “Jazz in New York would not have been the same without Cobi,” one musician said.