Vincent Herring News

It is hard to think of a classier musician in jazz than Cedar Walton. The pianist has a wonderful knowledge of the piano and compositional technique, and the music he makes is both thoughtful and accessible.

Jimmy Cobbs So What Band fought courageously Saturday at the Gem Theater to recreate Miles Davis Kind of Blue.

WAYNE a ' The Carl Allen-Rodney Whitaker Project, featuring powerful rhythm players Carl Allen, drums, and Rodney Whitaker, bass, as co-leaders of an outstanding ensemble, will perform at William Paterson University in Wayne, on Sunday, Oct.

Mack Avenue Records On Carl Allen and Rodney Whitaker's Work to Do , their second collaboration with Mack Avenue Records, the musicians focus on groove, beauty and respect for the tradition.

The latest email newsletter from MAXJAZZ brings word that the St. Louis-based indie label will release CDs this fall from pianists Manuel Valera and Jeb Patton .

But some things endure. This year marks the 50th anniversary of several landmark albums, including the influential Miles Davis record "Kind of Blue" and Dave Brubeck's explorative "Time Out." These two 1959 recordings will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday at the Freihofer's Jazz Festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

The 31st Annual Playboy Jazz Festival happens this weekend, one of the West Coast's biggest jazz parties.