All About Jazz

If you read this blog much at all, you already know that I enjoy jazz. I have written plenty about "Detroit JazzStage" (which has a new podcast available; take a listen when you get a chance) and other favorites. This summer I found a website that is in a truly elite class.

www.allaboutjazz.com is about jazz. Mostly it is about contemporary jazz. If you prefer Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller or even Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, you won't find a lot here. What you will find are the people and places that are making jazz alive today.

When you visit the webisite look over on the right hand side for the "Daily Download". Here you can sample cuts from cd's that are available from some of the brightest artists performing today. They aren't always hot, never-before-heard artists, but you will hear seasoned pros such as Dr. John and Randy Brecker.

What I especially like about the "Daily Download" is that it has such a variety of sounds. I don't choose to download more than one or two per week, but it really gives you a taste of who is performing and what to be watching for in the future.

There are notices of upcoming performances throughout the U.S. There are jazz videos (rock music doesn't hold a monopoly on music videos), music reviews and more.

Sure, it is pretty commercial, but if you give it a chance, and you really love jazz, you can find a lot here you won't find elsewhere.