6 Resources for Jazz Music Lovers

Exploring the World of Jazz Online

Although jazz may not consistently dominate mainstream radio, its rich history and enduring appeal continue to thrive. The legacies of iconic figures such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Dave Brubeck remain influential.

Furthermore, contemporary artists like Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Terrance Blanchard, Tutu Puoane, and Carmen Lundy are actively preserving and evolving the jazz tradition for new audiences.

Discovering Essential Jazz Resources

For those unfamiliar with these artists, numerous well-designed websites offer comprehensive information. These platforms feature album listings, critical reviews, sample MP3s, and videos of live performances.

Curated Jazz Lists

While subjective, “best of” lists provide a valuable starting point for exploring jazz greats. The selections found across various online resources demonstrate a considerable degree of consensus.

The website 100 Greatest Jazz Albums presents a curated “100 Best” catalog, complete with recording dates and insightful reviews. It also offers resources like jazz podcasts, CD album lists, charts, and a gig guide. Notably, the site maintains a relatively uncluttered advertising experience.

If a concise, printable list is desired, DigitalDreamDoor provides a compilation of 200 essential jazz albums. This resource, while lacking direct links to reviews or music samples, serves as an excellent reference guide.

AllAboutJazz: A Comprehensive Hub

AllAboutJazz is a rich resource, offering a wealth of reviews, interviews, discussion forums, concert photography, and links to jazz radio stations worldwide.

The site also features a Daily MP3 catalog, providing free jazz downloads dating back to 2005.

Exploring Jazz on YouTube

The abundance of jazz videos on YouTube, showcasing performances by both established and emerging artists, is a delight for enthusiasts. The Jazz Video Guy, Bret Primack, has cultivated a particularly extensive collection, boasting over 11,166 subscribers.

JazzTimes: Magazine and Website

JazzTimes extends beyond its print magazine to offer a companion website. This online platform provides free MP3 downloads from contemporary artists, alongside reviews, book recommendations, festival listings, and a jazz education guide.

Daily columns covering the jazz scene ensure that aficionados remain well-informed. The site is user-friendly and avoids excessive advertising.

TheJazzNetwork: A Social Platform for Jazz Lovers

TheJazzNetwork, hosted on Ning.com, was created by Jaijai Jackson. It allows users to establish personalized pages resembling Facebook profiles, complete with blogs, links, and music uploads.

The network also hosts over 200 groups dedicated to specific jazz-related topics, such as Jazz Drummers, the History of Jazz, Musicians for Hire, and regional jazz communities. A Network Listening Room features playlists curated by members.

Jazz Podcasts on iTunes

The iTunes Store hosts a vast collection of over 200 podcasts created by musicians, jazz fans, and critics. Many of these podcasts consist primarily of music selections with minimal commentary.

Subscribing to several podcasts can provide a continuous stream of new music and insightful information.