Hello everyone— We have entered a strange time over the last few months. Who could have expected that a virus would so affect our lives and our livelihoods? As we try to pull ourselves out of quarantine and back into our daily routines, let us not forget the lessons of COVID-19 by appreciating all of […]
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Hello everyone, Hope you’re having a lovely winter. Here in Denver, we’ve received twice as much snow as normal and the mountains have had epic storms. Those who go up to the mountains to ski have raved about the fresh powder–and complained about the traffic to and from! One of our new CD Review columns […]
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A letter from editor and publisher Thomas Cunniffe on how you can support JHO through the arts site, Patreon.
MoreThanks to Ward Swingle, Olive (Molly) Simpson, Michael Dore, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, Rachel Weston, Patrick Ardagh-Walter, Jacqueline Barron, Simon Grant, Wendy Nieper, Kineret Erez, Kevin Fox, Tobias Hug, John Neal, Edouard Reichenbach, Tom Lord, Daniel Richard.
More“ST. LOUIS BLUES” (by W.C. Handy) 1. Bessie Smith (3:10) BESSIE SMITH (v); LOUIS ARMSTRONG (cor); FRED LONGSHAW (harm). NYC; 1/14/25. 2. The Dixie Stompers (Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra) (3:03) RUSSELL SMITH, JOE SMITH, TOMMY LADNIER (tp); JIMMY HARRISON (tb); BUSTER BAILEY, DON REDMAN, COLEMAN HAWKINS (r); FLETCHER HENDERSON (p); CHARLIE DIXON (bj); JUNE […]
MoreDespite appearing on some of the greatest jazz records of the 1930s, and possessing one of the most personal sounds in jazz history, trumpeter Frankie Newton is barely remembered today. His biography is filled with contradictory information, and his discography has several mysterious gaps. Thomas Cunniffe sorts out the conflicting details and discusses all of Newton’s recordings in this special 2-part Historical Essay.
MoreIn the second part of this extended Historical Essay, Thomas Cunniffe explores Frankie Newton’s life and music from 1938 through his death in 1954. In addition to examining Newton’s recordings, Cunniffe also discusses the likely reasons for Newton’s absence in the studios from 1939-1943 and 1946-1954.
MoreAs they approach their 50th anniversary, the Swingle Singers are at the top of the a cappella world. Thomas Cunniffe offers this interactive history of the group with embedded video and audio performances and a gallery of group photos.
MoreAs they approach their 50th anniversary, the Swingle Singers are at the top of the a cappella world. Thomas Cunniffe offers this interactive history of the group with embedded video and audio performances and a gallery of group photos.
MoreIn the latest installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins recalls his experiences at the Choral Festival in Lomnice.
MoreIn the latest installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins tells about the various jazz clubs in the city. One hosted a jam session with a sitting US President (guess which one). Several cater to the local jazz fans while others attract international tourists. Includes several photos of the venues.
MoreIn the first installment of his ongoing series Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins tells of his first experiences playing in Europe, the summer jazz workshop in North Bohemia where he teaches, and his quintet, comprised of American and Czech musicians.
MoreIn this month’s Tales From Prague, Skip Wilkins hits the road and recalls his experiences playing outside of Prague. Skip also tells of the new friends he has made, both on and off the bandstand.
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