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THE JW VIBE
Music That Sticks To My Soul
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MATIAS BACOÑSKY, Life and Death (Reimagined)
Over the past decade, Matias Bacoñsky has established himself as one of contemporary instrumental music’s most imaginative and dynamic storytellers. The Argentine pianist and composer marks ten years since the release of his solo piano debut Life and Death with a stirring re-interpretation of the deeply personal work that launched his career – not simply recounting the sweeping original journey but realizing a far more ambitious vision. On Life and Death (Reimagined), he surr
Jonathan Widran
1 day ago


MARGEE MINIER-TUBBS & PREMIK RUSSELL TUBBS, In the Stillness of the Stars
Long before telescopes mapped distant galaxies or science revealed the staggering scale of the universe, people gathered beneath the stars seeking guidance, comfort and perspective, believing that somewhere beyond the noise of daily existence lay a deeper understanding of who we are and why we are here. Those heavenly lights have inspired mythology, religion, poetry, philosophy and music across countless civilizations, serving as enduring reminders that something infinitely l
Jonathan Widran
1 day ago


LORI BELL & RON SATTERFIELD TRIO at Birds of a Feather Jazz Lounge
Tucked discreetly behind Au Lac, the acclaimed vegan restaurant in downtown Los Angeles, Birds of a Feather Jazz Lounge already feels like one of those rare places jazz lovers hope survives for decades. Opened earlier this year and curated by acclaimed vocalist-educator Cathy Segal-Garcia and bassist Sidney Jacobs, the intimate, Art Deco-inspired room encourages listeners to settle in and truly hear the music. Before her trio even finished its opening number, veteran flutist
Jonathan Widran
Jul 28


FINDING THE LIGHT: Liz Fawcett's Journey Through Remedies of the Heart
Every artist hopes to make the album that finally embodies their truest selves. Few realize that discovering that voice sometimes means circling back to the person they were before life’s challenges and unexpected turns complicated the path forward. That’s the quiet revelation at the heart of Liz Fawcett’s empowering new album Remedies of the Heart. These eight personal songs – from the lyrical soul-searching “Somewhere Out There” to the ethereal unveiling and acceptance of
Jonathan Widran
Jul 27


TERRY LEE NICHOLS, A Sky That Knows Our Names
Throughout the course of evolutionary events, melodies came long after motion. Before there were prayers, poems, languages or civilizations, there was light bursting into unimaginable darkness, stars forging the elements that would one day become oceans, forests, mountains—and us. Across the billions of years separating the first spark of creation from this very moment, humanity learned to wonder not only how we came to exist, but why our brief lives matter at all. While it’s
Jonathan Widran
Jul 24


SUZANNE PITTSON/BEV MANSON, Conversations
While some musical partnerships are carefully planned, while others like Conversations, the newly unearthed five-track EP by vocalist Suzanne Pittson and pianist, composer and arranger Bevan Manson, evolve and emerge almost by instinct. Originally recorded as an unreleased demo session in 2002 and finally completed more than two decades later, the collection captures two adventurous improvisers listening, responding and challenging one another with remarkable trust and sponta
Jonathan Widran
Jul 20


ANTONIO ADOLFO, Balaios
Few contemporary jazz artists have chronicled Brazil’s rich musical heritage with greater imagination than pianist, composer and arranger Antonio Adolfo. Yet after years of celebrating the timeless works of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Cole Porter and the songs of Carnaval, his dazzlingly performed and arranged, rhythmically dynamic Balaios may be his most personal statement yet. Rather than looking outward for inspiration, the internationally acclaimed Brazilian
Jonathan Widran
Jul 20


JUDY WHITMORE, This Is Home
One of the enduring powers of America’s great patriotic songs is their ability to preserve not only the nation’s history but the deeply personal stories woven into it. Penned by immigrants, Broadway composers, military veterans and devoted citizens, these timeless melodies celebrate freedom, sacrifice, gratitude and hope in ways that continue to resonate across generations. As America marks its 250th anniversary, versatile vocalist Judy Whitmore honors that remarkable legacy
Jonathan Widran
Jul 20


LISA RICH, I Still Rise
One of jazz’s greatest gifts is its ability to transform life’s hardest-earned wisdom into something graceful, spontaneous and quietly uplifting. That spirit resonates throughout I Still Rise, Lisa Rich’s deeply satisfying second act—a beautiful, intricately crafted collection that continues her remarkable return to trademark form. The unveiling she began with Long As You’re Living now reveals an artist whose interpretive depth has only deepened and continues to evolve with
Jonathan Widran
Jul 20


KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE: INSIDE BIG PHAT POD AND THE ONGOING LEGACY OF GORDON GOODWIN
Behind a massive soundproof door in an otherwise unremarkable industrial park in Burbank, a remarkable effort is underway to preserve and expand the legacy of one of contemporary music’s most celebrated creative forces. Inside The Dreaming Tree - a production facility known for creating feature films, documentaries and commercials, film, TV and video games - session singer, vocal contractor, educator and longtime Big Phat Band singer Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and her co-host, award
Jonathan Widran
Jul 18


KEITH FIALA, "Road Trippin'"
There are few musical experiences more liberating than hitting the open road with nowhere to be but the next freewheeling adventure. Keith Fiala captures that magical carefree spirit on “Road Trippin’,” an exuberant jazz fusion celebration that transforms real-life miles, shared memories and infectious grooves into four minutes of pure summer exhilaration. Inspired by two unforgettable journeys Fiala and his girlfriend, French horn player Brenda Muhlenkamp, took while balanci
Jonathan Widran
Jul 17


RH FOX, Painting in the Dark
The most memorable debut albums rarely arrive fully formed through technical proficiency alone. They emerge from lives already rich with experience, observation and purpose. Such is the case with Painting in the Dark, the striking first release from pianist and composer RH Fox, whose journey from registered nurse and acclaimed nature photographer to recording artist informs every note of this deeply expressive collection. Guided by the mentorship and co-production of New Age
Jonathan Widran
Jul 16
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