Don Mock’s musical background is similar to that of any guitarist who began playing in the 60’s. Don’s competitive spirit as a teenager carried over to his early playing experience. All the local players tried their best to learn the fastest solos from rock guitarists Alvin Lee and Eric Clapton. Don’s reputation has grown from … Read more
Born in 1976, the Lithuanian reed player has been an influential figure in Lithuanian jazz. He is a representative for a young Lithuanian generation of jazz musicians and has performed in many parts Europe, USA, Israel and Turkey. Mockunas received his MA degree from Lithuanian Musical Academy in 2002 and his MA degree from Rhythmic … Read more
Moctar was born in Abalak, northern Niger. He began singing and playing the Tamasheq Tuareg language at weddings. His first album Anar, which he composed for a lost lover, was recorded in Nigeria in 2008. It featured Moctar’s raw, unpolished sound and haunting lyrics. This style is known locally as “assouf”, but it does not … Read more
Mode Plagal, an original Greek band that performs traditional Greek music mixed with jazz, funk, and other international styles, is called Mode Plagal. They are known as “the preeminent ambassadors for the much-maligned vernacular Greek musical tradition in the 21st Century”. The Athens-based group was founded in 1990 by Thodoris Rolos (saxophone, vocals), Kleon Antonu … Read more
Japanese jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist. Born December 6, 1927, in Matsumoto (Naganoma); died July 6, 2000. Rarely, if ever, the name Akira Miyazawa appears in jazz reference books. The internet doesn’t offer much information about Akira Miyazawa, except for a few sites that sell his CDs. It is unfortunate, as his recordings tell the … Read more
The Modern Jazz Disciples, not to be confused with Modern Jazz Quartet, were a notable but short-lived hard-bop group that was active in late ’50s through early ’60s. Curtis Peagler, an alto and tenor saxophonist, was the leader of The Disciples. He died in Beverly Hills, CA, on December 19, 1992. In 1958, Peagler formed … Read more
Miyeon & Park are a critically acclaimed duo that is structured improvisation musicians. Their repertoire includes Korean, contemporary classical, and jazz music. Since the mid-90’s, they have been performing regularly. Numerous albums have been released by them. Kang Tae Hwan (a.sax), Satoh Masahiko (pf),Lauren Newton,voice),Otomo Yashihide(gt.elec), Simon Nabatovepf), Wadada Leo Smithtp )…. Their duo album … Read more
Modern Jazz Quartet was a pivotal figure in jazz’s development in the 1950s. Although they were officially disbanded in 1974 they have reformed several times for concerts and recordings, making them an “evergreen” jazz group. This was not always the case. The Modern Jazz Quartet was initially formed as the Milt Jackson Quartet. It had … Read more
Shuko Mizuno was a Japanese prefecture in Tokushima. He was born February 24, 1934. In 1958, he began his musical studies at Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku (Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music). He completed his studies in 1963 with a master’s in music. Mizuno was a keen student of musical improvisation from the very beginning … Read more
Carl Winther is a young pianist who is well-known in Denmark. He was the son of Jens Winther (a world-famous composer and trumpet player), and began touring as a youngster. His performances are stunning and virtuous. He also has a natural ability to improvise. Winther is a Jazz and Classic musician who has received numerous … Read more
