Jack McCray

Publisher's four-CD set very cool

While reading a book to review for Bill Thompson at The Post and Courier, I became aware of a boxed set that's a real knockout. Read More

Ellingtonia and Jazz for Jenkins

If the jazz gods continue to smile on Charleston, the newest presence on the local scene will end its first concert season Nov. 25. Read More

Straight, No Chaser

An intro to that thing we call jazz

There's an expression proffered by practitioners of Rastafari, a Jamaican form of Christianity, that goes, "Who feels it, knows it." It can be found in much of the religion's literature and in many reggae songs. It means that while you can't always rationally understand so... Read More

Fud Livingston: A Charleston favorite son

I first heard of Fud Livingston many years ago from his great-nephew and my friend John Tecklenburg, a businessman and jazz pianist. Read More

Saxophonist to play for a purpose

A famous musician will perform tonight to celebrate and support an organization that has recently built its signature event around jazz. Read More

Charleston, a center of American swing

Charleston is at the root of American culture. It always has been. Read More

Veteran venue to host newcomers

Two of the most vital forces on the Lowcountry jazz scene will come together Sunday. Read More

Charlestonians in Spoleto, Italy

Jazz has produced some musicians with titles of nobility. Edward Ellington became known as Duke. Bill Basie was Count. Lester Young reigned as Pres. Read More

South African musician's new CD has a healing, reassuring feel

Hugh Masekela, 70, is getting better and better. The South African flugelhorn player just released his 35th album as a band leader and it marks not only a milestone in is illustrious career, but a watershed place in world jazz. Read More

Gradual Lean back, ready to cook

One of the most interesting, foundational bands to emerge from the blur of the mid-1990's in Charleston is Gradual Lean. Read More

Boney to get phat on Saturday

Boney James is the man in the world of smooth jazz. He's poised to play at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Saturday night, sure to coo and woo his fans with his saxophone artistry. Read More

A magical night at Charleston Grill

Night in and night out, it's hard to beat the jazz at Charleston Grill. There's live music most every night. And when the band's not playing, there's a killer soundtrack on the house system. Read More

All praises due to the blues

The blues is as American as it gets. I talk here (and everywhere) all the time about how jazz is America's music. How it was not only born here but how it's structured by building blocks associated around the world with American traits: pursuit of freedom, improvisation and democracy. Read More

Lowcountry becoming jazz destination

The march toward our backyard becoming a premiere area for live jazz continues to move down the road. And that road is laden with sunshine, moss-laden oaks, rivers, marsh and creeks, great cuisine, gorgeous architecture and, now, fabulous jazz music that's steadily growing in attendance and support. Read More

Voodoo Lounge headlines summer season

Now in its second year, the jazz series at Avondale's Voodoo Lounge is becoming something of an institution. Last summer, it burst onto the scene with great success, followed by a winter series that was even more popular. Read More