Grammy nominations, NEA Jazz Masters honors, and a standout Wynton Marsalis performance highlight a powerful season for jazz.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inArts + Culture
How Grant West helped students find their musical voices
For nearly four decades, Grant West has been a guiding force in St. Paul’s arts and culture landscape — an educator, advocate and community builder whose belief in the power of music has shaped generations of young musicians. As co-founder of Walker West Music Academy, West has helped students discover their talents while creating one […]
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo: Pondering what could have been
D’Angelo, the groundbreaking soul artist behind “Brown Sugar,” “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” has died at 50 after a private fight with cancer. From his church roots to his rise as a defining voice of neo soul, his legacy shaped artists across genres. Peers like Questlove and H.E.R. describe him as a rare, pure artist whose music, mentorship and spirit transformed the landscape of Black music.
Posted inArtists
Minnesota Artist Nur-D Calls on Community to Help Save Fair Play Entertainment Recording Studio
Minnesota artist Nur-D is asking the community to help save Fair Play Entertainment, the recording studio he co founded in South Minneapolis. The space has become a creative home for new and independent artists, but rising costs threaten its future. Nur-D and DJ Hayes hope to raise $8,000 to continue offering accessible studio time for local musicians.
Posted inArts + Culture
Fall into jazz: smooth sounds and star performances this season
The crisp, cool air of autumn is here, the fall colors are on full display, and soon some of jazz’s brightest stars will be too. Add to that a host of warm, colorful new recordings perfect for cozying up on chilly days ahead. Boney James and Kirk Whalum, two of today’s biggest contemporary jazz artists, […]
Posted inTicket Giveway
Win Tickets to See Herbie Hancock Live at the Orpheum Theatre!
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is giving readers an unforgettable opportunity to see Herbie Hancock, one of the most influential musicians of our time, live in concert on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.
Posted inMusic
Twin Cities Hip-Hop Day Honors Legacy and Creativity at Minnesota History Center
Twin Cities Hip Hop Day 2025 turned the Minnesota History Center into a living archive, honoring more than 40 contributors to the culture. Organized by Ryan “Stage One” Dillard, the celebration bridged generations and affirmed Minnesota hip hop’s legacy of community, creativity, and truth.
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo, Soul Visionary and Reluctant Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the trailblazing artist whose sound reshaped modern R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with cancer. From “Brown Sugar” to “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” his live, groove-rich music and fearless artistry influenced a generation and expanded what Black music could be.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Fall jazz lineup promises new albums and live performances
From Craig Taborn’s “Trio of Bloom” to JD Allen’s “Love Letters” and Charles Lloyd’s “Figure in Blue,” fall jazz in Minnesota is rich with new sounds and live highlights. The Dakota’s October slate features Kenny Garrett, Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap, and Brandee Younger, with Herbie Hancock at the Orpheum.
Posted inEvents
Selby Avenue JazzFest returns, led by Walker West
Selby Avenue JazzFest 2025 returns Sept. 12–14 with free concerts at Selby and Milton. Walker West leads a lineup featuring Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles and more, plus two public masterclasses.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Celebrating 25 years and a season full of jazz milestones
James on Jazz turns 25 this September. Celebrate The Dakota’s 40th on Sept. 20, remember Sheila Jordan, and preview the Detroit Jazz Festival and AACM 60th at the Walker.
Posted inMusic
Sounds of Blackness releases youth-powered anthem “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE”
Sounds of Blackness releases “WE’RE UNSTOPPABLE,” a youth-driven anthem of resilience and movement featuring Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, and Atlanta Drum Academy.
Posted inMusic
Kendra Glenn Band brings soul, joy and community to Rice Park concert
From powerful vocals to heartfelt storytelling, Kendra Glenn’s July 31 performance at Rice Park blended soul, resilience, and community connection. Part of the “Summer Nights in Rice” concert series, her performance drew families, fans, and music lovers of all ages downtown for an unforgettable evening.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Monk, Blue Note, and vibrations of legacy
This month’s jazz roundup features new releases from Paul Cornish and Eric Scott Reed, with tributes to legends like Sonny Clark and Geri Allen. Plus, don’t miss Jane Monheit and Rebirth Brass Band live in Minneapolis.
Posted inEvents
V-Fest brings healthy good times to St. Paul
St. Paul’s V-Fest returns July 26 with a free day of music, movement, wellness, and cultural healing. This community-powered celebration blends joy and justice in one of the summer’s most uplifting events.
Posted inMusic
Obi Original fuses heritage, healing and highlife in new single
Obi Original blends classic highlife with urgent diasporic commentary in “Who Man Dem? (We Never Reconcile),” a single that asks difficult questions about unity, belonging, and cultural memory.
Posted inArts + Culture
From MSP piano to TikTok fan base
Grammy-nominated pianist David Billingsley launched CLAB, Minnesota’s first TikTok Creator Network. Backed by TikTok, CLAB offers free support for artists and creatives looking to grow and monetize their work in the digital space.
Posted inMusic
Lewiee Blaze to release ‘ONE OF ONE’ album on major platforms following Juneteenth tour
Lewiee Blaze is reintroducing his 11-track album “ONE OF ONE” to a wider audience. The introspective project marks a powerful shift in the Minneapolis artist’s sound and message.
Posted inMusic
New albums and festivals make for a rich jazz season
From major label releases to free local festivals, this summer offers a rich jazz experience for listeners everywhere. Read about new albums by Danny Grissett, Christian McBride, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, plus live shows like Lizz Wright at the Dakota and the Selby Avenue Jazz Festival in St. Paul.
Posted inMusic
DeLaSalle’s David Billingsley Named GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist
David Billingsley III, music director at DeLaSalle High School, has been named a 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award quarterfinalist. He’s one of just 200 educators honored nationwide for inspiring students through music and equity-driven education.