To encourage the exploration of underrepresented voices in jazz journalism and criticism, New & Diverse Voices on Jazz will regularly highlight recent
contributions/efforts/work/publications of women, among others, in the form of reviews, feature articles, op-ed, historical and analytical non-fiction. This compilation is meant to offer a resource, to acquire research material for academic and non-fiction writing and most importantly, to highlight the exemplary work of writers who deserve to be read, photographer and videographers whose works should bee seen, broadcasters who should be heard.
Ngozi Nri, Lorge, Arbalejo, Lester: A touching review — tightly written descriptions — an open, honest observer — seamless integration of background with interpretation — and Angelika Beener in conversation with Women in Jazz Media’s Ashaine White.
Monique Ngozi Nri’s thoughtful review of two Stanley Cowell albums in the New York City Jazz Record | May 2021 Issue
Before Monique Ngozi Nri goes off into her interpretation of the music of
Stanley Cowell’s Musa – Ancestral Streams (Strata-East – Pure Pleasure) and Such Great Friends: Stanley Cowell, Billy Harper, Reggie Workman, Billy Hart (Strata-East – Pure Pleasure), she gives insight into the kind of man Cowell was – a humble human being with a “commitment to his family, his teaching and to social justice.” She has a gift of making the reader care about her subjects and gives Cowell, who died last December, a unique and respectful commemoration (referring to herself cooly as “this reviewer”). She writes “The second track on Musa – Ancestral Streams is arguably Cowell’s most admired composition, one he returned to many times… The melody on this solo piano version is haunting, plaintive, yet hopeful. Cowell’s intonation hits that sweet spot, drawing in the listener. It feels like floating on some celestial plane.”
Suzanne Lorge’s Brief Profile of Yelena Eckemoff in DownBeat | Published March 22, 2021
Singer, writer and frequent DownBeat contributor Suzanne Lorge
continues to contribute consistent, well-written work with her article about pianist-composer Yelena Eckemoff’s latest release, Adventures Of The Wildflower (on her own label, L&H Production). Lorge describes the album in a tight paragraph, “Eckemoff delivers the good stuff here via three modes of self-expression: perfectly titrated music, smooth narrative poetry and charming impressionistic oil paintings. She consolidates these three efforts in one polished package comprising two discs and a thick, illustrated booklet—a rare presentation for an independent artist these days.” Then Lorge zooms out to consider the album’s thematic elements, also sharing Eckemoff’s process and perspective.
Mirian Arbalejo Expresses Her Frustration with “I Do Write. So Let Me Write” in Jazz in Europe | Published April 30, 2021
Mirian Arbalejo is a prominent Spain-based international jazz journalist,
one who is open and honest about what she observes and understands. Published on International Jazz Day, her essay “I Do Write, So Let Me Write” attempts to “shine a light on important issues” in jazz communities in Europe, and particularly in her native land. She writes about the lack of resources and sexism affecting her career, and her personal experience of being reviled by a Spanish jazz publication for accurately pointing out their lack of diversity and suggesting a corrective — which leads her to examine systemic discrimination in her own life as well in that of other members of her community. Arbalejo takes a risk — bravo for her bravery and forthrightness.
Marilyn Lester writes a clean review of Yaala Ballin Sings Irving Berlin in The New York City Jazz Record | May 2021 Issue
Marilyn Lester ‘s brief, clean-cut review of Israel Yaala Ballin’s album of
selections of Irving Berlin’s music beginning with the singer’s interest in her ancestral connection to the songwriter (who was born Israel Baline in 1888), and seamlessly moves into her review and interpretation of the music. “Ballin’s slightly accented delivery,” she writes, “is charming, her vocal tone clear and strong. She handles swing and trad ballads, such as ‘They Say That Falling in Love Is Wonderful’ and ‘All Alone’ equally well. It’s on the latter that she does add emotion to technique.” Lester runs through tracks and personnel quickly but captures the full breadth of the work.
In Conversation With…Ashaine White talks to Angelika BeenerWomen in Jazz Media | Published March 2021
In the first moments of the podcast presented by Women in Jazz Media, the group and website founded by JJA member Fiona Ross, journalists Ashaine
WomenInJazzMedia
White and Angelika Beener, whose work has appeared in DownBeat, NPR Music, Jazz at Lincoln Center and elsewhere. bond over being Black women jazz critics. Then begins the slow reveal of Beener’s personal history: Her great uncle is Thelonious Monk. She talks about growing up around jazz as a child, and ruminates on her experience navigating the white male-dominated music industry. Her personal stories and insight paints a clear portrait of what it is like to be different and rare in the jazz community.
Jordannah Elizabeth is a Baltimore-based writer and lecturer.
