This past Father’s Day BJA presented Baltimore Jazz Fest, a free day-long festival that featured some of the best jazz in town. I say the BJA presented, but in reality, this was truly a community effort. When we first presented Baltimore Jazz Fest in 2016, at Druid Hill Park, we also had great support, but it was a big effort for our small organization, and while we tried to repeat it the following year, we really didn’t have the resources to make it happen right away. | Read more>>
“Espinoza is already a powerful storyteller on his instrument, and he’s found partners who can execute his musical vision masterfully.” — Jamie Sandel, Capital Bop
Baltimore-based pianist Josh Espinoza released his debut album in June of 2018, with band members Mikel Combs on bass and Jeron Lamar Davis on drums. | Read more>>
“[Free improvisation] is about purity of sound, flow, trust, spirit, and the celebration of our humanity — HERE AND NOW.”
My name is Derrick
Michaels, and I’m a professional musician based in Baltimore, MD. My work as a
saxophonist/improviser explores the nexus between free improvisation and jazz
tradition. | Read more>>
I first encountered trumpeter Brandon Woody, now aged
20, last August, when he led an open-mic jam session at the Motor House on
North Avenue with his group, Upendo (Swahili for “love”). I then caught one of
his monthly gigs at An die Musik on North Charles. | Read more>>
Genius comes in many forms . . . loud and brash demanding attention and tainted with narcissistic hubris; or understated and gentle, so quiet it goes unnoticed in a world where a cacophony of stimuli vies for our attention. Charles Covington, Jr. | Read more>>