jazz Archives - Rolling Out

One thing that can be said about Philadelphia, PA, is there have been a plethora of phenomenal artists and entertainers born from its soil. From the looks of it, Allen “Bizkit” Arthur is the next in line. The triple threat producer, saxophonist and engineer, is a well-rounded artist that has collaborated with some of the…

When you think of the customary jazz audience, you can easily visualize many female patrons in your mind’s eye. Now, juxtapose that mental picture with that of a woman performing with an instrument on stage. It says something that women in jazz are still considered a bit of an anomaly in 2020. But jazz trumpeter…

Actor T.C. Carson will always be recognized for his unforgettable role as Kyle Barker in the cult classic comedy series “Living Single.” Carson played the arrogant, yet charming money manager for five seasons alongside industry heavyweights Kim Fields, Erika Alexander, Kim Coles, John Henson and Queen Latifah. Fortunately for his fans, Carson has no problem…

The legendary Mike Phillips dropped by our virtual office to share details about his new album, Pulling Off The Covers, specifically how Stevie Wonder made him wait… and how it was worth every reminder once the track — “Flavor In Your Ear” — was done.

Jamie Foxx shares details about his upcoming Disney movie, Soul. Disney has delayed the release of the Pixar animated feature as a result of the global health pandemic. The movie was originally supposed to be released in cinemas on June 19, 2020, but has now been pushed back by five months to November 20. The flick,…

Jazz legend Ellis Marsalis has died. He was 85. Marsalis passed away in a New Orleans hospital on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, and his son Branford told The New York Times his death was due to complications of coronavirus (COVID-19). New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell took to Twitter to pay tribute to the musical “icon.”…

Beautiful Black people came out for FunkJazz Kafé‘s 25th anniversary arts and music festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2019, at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. Rolling out was there to take it all in, and here are some of our favorite looks from the event. Honeysuckle Moon | Instagram – @Honeysucklemoon Zuri Zahara Love Meghan Brock…

Jamaica, Queens native Damien Escobar discovered his love for music at an early age. During his exceptional career spanning more than 15 years, the accomplished violinist has earned a number of awards and garnered recognition from the likes of Oprah Winfrey to President Obama. Escobar’s evolution and sound are embraced across all genres, and on…

The jazz community is in shock after learning that Grammy Award-winning drummer Lawrence Leathers, 37, was found unconscious in the stairwell of his apartment building. The NYPD has now revealed that Leathers was the victim of an assault allegedly committed by his girlfriend and another man in the apartment with her. According to NBC News,…

Name: Squallè (Squah-LAY) City: Athens, Georgia Genre: Hip-hop Favorite artists: J. Cole and Meek Mill What does your artist name mean to you? Everything. My “artist name” reflects who I am as an artist and a person. The translation alone is a direct definition that sums up how others view me and my experiences. I learned a…

Dwele brought his “Winter White Nights” tour to Atlanta during the holidays, headlining four sold-out shows at City Winery. The Grammy-nominated artist, who has performed in London, Asia and across the United States, is a consistent vocalist, and his delivery is always smooth and genuine. He not only is a romantic balladeer but also a consummate storyteller, narrator,…

One of the most prolific jazz vocalists in the world has died, according to her publicist and manager Devra Hall Levy. Nancy Wilson, 81, died at her residence in Pioneertown, California, after a long illness. She leaves a legacy that includes over 60 albums and singles in a career that spanned more than 50 years.…

Legendary jazz musician Roy Hargrove has died at the age of 49. According to Hargrove’s manager, Larry Clothier, he died in New York on November 2 due to complications from a cardiac arrest. Born on Oct. 16, 1969, in Waco, Texas, Hargrove attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, which…

Robert Glasper has a way of telling engaging stories through music and with punch lines. In fact, if he did not stand as arguably the most accomplished pianist of his generation, Glasper could probably find success as a stand-up comedian. Before beginning his set in honor of Miles Davis at the Blue Note Jazz Club…

Robert Glasper reveals why Black people must vote in the November election.

Atlanta is a multi-faceted city when it comes to Black music and culture. Beyond hip-hop it is a city well known for its history of jazz. One of the cornerstones of keeping this tradition alive was jazz musician Theresa Hightower. Sadly it has been announced that Theresa passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, after a…

August Greene — a hybrid of hip-hop and contemporary jazz featuring rapper Common, jazz pianist Robert Glasper and drummer Karriem Riggins — made their ONE Musicfest debut on Sunday, Sept. 9, in Atlanta. The musicians shared a long working relationship before joining forces and releasing their self-titled debut album on March 9. They are not a braggadocious…

Atlanta is a strange city when it comes to Black music. On the surface, it would seem that with artists like OutKast, T.I. Migos Lil Wayne and others it would seem that there is a distinct Southern hip-hop blend. Then you shift demographics and there is a whole breed of young Atlanta artists who regularly…

The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was a time when the Jazz Age was birthed. The Jazz Age was a period in time where jazz music and dance styles quickly spread throughout the United States. The Harlem Renaissance era emerged during that same time and is the same period of time that playwright Sherry…

Jim Hill, a winner of the United Nations Humanitarian of the Year Award Winner, continues to inspire with his work as an artist, educator and philanthropist. Hill recently brought his Mosaic Master-Pieces collection to Atlanta in honor of Black History Month. The month-long exhibit launched at the Douglas Stratton Photography Studio with great success. Along with…