Profiles

  • Gretchen Parlato: Finding The Essence
    Gretchen Parlato is one of the top young jazz singers on the scene today. Thomas Cunniffe profiles this extraordinary musician, and how she rediscovers the essence of jazz every night.
  • Janeology
    The musical worlds of soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom encompass visual art, modern dance and outer space. A brilliant improviser and educator, Bloom has been a vibrant part of the jazz scene for over 30 years. Thomas Cunniffe's profile includes detailed descriptions of her finest recordings.
  • Luciana Souza: Passion and Versatility
    Few contemporary vocalists have the stylistic range of Luciana Souza. She is a remarkable improviser and composer who can not only offer passionate interpretations of songs from America and Brazil, but is also a collaborator with contemporary classical composer Osvaldo Golijov. Thomas Cunniffe introduces you to Souza in this JHO profile, which includes audio and video clips of Souza at work.
  • Meet Anita Wardell
    Anita Wardell may be the greatest singer you've never heard. Well-known in Europe, but barely known in the US, Wardell is one of the best scat singers in jazz today, and she also is a superb interpreter of vocalese, jazz originals and standards. Thomas Cunniffe introduces you to Wardell in this profile which features 5 complete audio selections and a video performance.
  • The Swingle Singers: Making the Music Dance
    As 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.
  • VERONICA SWIFT: “HER INFINITE VARIETY”
    In "Antony and Cleopatra", Shakespeare wrote, “Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale, her infinite variety”. The words were originally a tribute to the Egyptian queen, but they have special significance in the career of jazz vocalist Veronica Swift. Thomas Cunniffe explores the music and life of this multi-talented young lady in this JHO Profile.