Swing District: Why our musicians matter, and how we can make sure we’re acknowledging them

Herman Burney, center, is one of many area musicians whose contributions make a major impact on the city’s culture, but often slide by under the radar. Courtesy Inkyhack/flickr

Columnist Sriram Gopal was struck by statistics showing a precipitous drop in the number of professional musicians in the United States. It inspired him to wonder: Are we doing enough to acknowledge the social contributions of bold artists? Read more>>

Dukem Jazz launches this Thursday: a new, free series at the U Street restaurant

Dukem is starting to host weekly, no-cover jazz performances on Thursday evenings. Courtesy youngdan.wordpress.com

The popular Ethiopian restaurant Dukem is beginning a new series of weekly, no-cover jazz shows. Akua Allrich performs this Thursday at the kickoff concert. Read more>>

Experimental trumpeter Lewis ‘Flip’ Barnes grew up with the D.C. music scene (INTERVIEW)

Lewis “Flip” Barnes brings his four-trumpet band to Bohemian Caverns this Sunday. Courtesy allaboutjazz.com

If you hear enough experimental jazz in D.C., you’re likely to notice the talented trumpeter Lewis “Flip” Barnes cropping up over and over in other people’s bands. Read more>>

Brian Settles discusses his new album, personal history & ever-expanding concept (AUDIO PREMIER)

Brian Settles has a new album coming out in November. Giovanni Russonello/CapitalBop

Brian Settles, who played a concert recently at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, is one of D.C.’s top innovators. Here he discusses the “quiet intensity” of his sound. Also, hear an exclusive premier of a track from his new album. Read more>>

Butch Warren, powerful bassist on classic recordings, dies at 74; cast long shadow over D.C.

Butch Warren played on timeless recordings by Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock and Dexter Gordon. Courtesy Antoine Sanfuentes

Butch Warren was more than a bassist who recorded on a handful of classic jazz albums. In D.C., he became a sort of silent standard-bearer, a leader by example, and an inspiration to the citywide jazz scene. Read more>>

Lyle Link’s Appreciation: Lessons from Mr. Warren
In this heartfelt remembrance of a poignant moment, a D.C. saxophonist examines the importance of Warren’s role as an elder on the local scene. Read more>>

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Jason Moran is the Kennedy Center’s jazz adviser. Courtesy mpix46/flickr

Interview | Jason Moran on the Kennedy Center’s new jazz season
Recently named jazz advisor Jason Moran is working to expand the center’s audience. Read more>>
 
 
 
 

Joe Herrera, a full-time musician, says he sometimes feels compelled to consider getting a day job.

Sriram Gopal’s Swing District | ‘Real’ musicians vs. part-time musicians
In his monthly Swing District column, CapitalBop’s Sriram Gopal confronts the perceived differences between full-time musicians and those with day jobs, and argues that both have to make certain sacrifices. Read more>>
 
 
 

Steve Coleman, left, with Jonathan Finlayson.

Interview | Steve Coleman: An innovator for the ages
In this interview, the saxophonist Steve Coleman discusses his anti-genre approach to music, and much more. Read more>>
 
 
 
 
 

Documentary film Oxygen for the Ears tells the story of D.C.’s historic jazz scene.

The Smithsonian is reinvigorating its Take 5! series with a focus on famous composers.

Sriram Gopal’s debut Swing District column: The universal benefits of giving jazz a chance.


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