Julia Wolfe’s Haunting Elegy to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Julia Wolfe’s Haunting Elegy to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
A monumental achievement in high musical drama, Wolfe’s new piece Fire in my mouth is already one of the year’s best performances.
Feb 14, 2019 / David Hajdu
The Best Albums of 2018 The Best Albums of 2018
A striking number of this year’s most potent albums give voice to the disorientation, anxiety, and rage that infuse the human experience today.
Dec 21, 2018 / David Hajdu
Myra Melford’s Snowy Egret Is Jazz’s Most Dynamic Quintet Myra Melford’s Snowy Egret Is Jazz’s Most Dynamic Quintet
Their new album is an impeccably accomplished and deeply satisfying collection created largely through free improvisation.
Dec 19, 2018 / David Hajdu
Ambrose Akinmusire’s Jazz of Pure Possibility Ambrose Akinmusire’s Jazz of Pure Possibility
Teaming up with a chamber orchestra and freestyle rapper, the trumpeter’s recent album is fearlessly imaginative.
Nov 19, 2018 / David Hajdu
Jason Lutes’s ‘Berlin’ Sets a New Standard for Graphic Novels Jason Lutes’s ‘Berlin’ Sets a New Standard for Graphic Novels
This expansive work follows a cast of characters caught up in the massive upheavals happening in Germany between the world wars.
Oct 19, 2018 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Nate Chinen’s Daring New History of Modern Jazz Nate Chinen’s Daring New History of Modern Jazz
Nate Chinen’s new book confronts the contemporary jazz moment with clarity and authority.
Oct 6, 2018 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
William Parker’s Late-Career Bloom William Parker’s Late-Career Bloom
After a 45-year-long career, the jazz bassist is still creating experimental music pulsing with humanity.
Aug 16, 2018 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Kanye’s Discontents Kanye’s Discontents
At his best, Kanye West could be something of a Walt Whitman with Pro Tools. His new album, Ye, sadly feels like something halted in mid-sentence.
Jun 8, 2018 / David Hajdu
Mary Halvorson’s Kinetic Improvisation Mary Halvorson’s Kinetic Improvisation
The guitarist’s music is exhilarating, unapologetically smart, and unspoiled by phoniness or pretense.
May 10, 2018 / David Hajdu
Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Selection Behind Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Selection
Our charge as the jury was pretty much the same as my job as a critic: to listen carefully, with open ears and an equally open mind.
Apr 23, 2018 / David Hajdu