Jul 26, 2019
Steve Cole has just released a new CD on Mack Avenue Records, entitled Gratitude. It is an extremely enjoyable and positive collection of tunes, inspired by the saxophonist’s recent realization of the goodness of others, stemming from health issues in his family. Co-produced with longtime collaborator and fellow...
Jul 3, 2019
America’s Independence Day – July 4 – has been marked on Straight No Chaser by an annual recitation of the Declaration of Independence and a playing of Ray Charles’ version of “America the Beautiful.” But as I prepared the same post this year, I realized that it was inappropriate.
It was inappropriate...
Jul 2, 2019
The American Pianists Association nurtures the artistic growth of America's top young pianists by focusing on creative expression and career development. Its largest and most prestigious support is given through a biennial competition known as the American Pianists Awards to discover the best aspiring young American...
Jul 1, 2019
California native Alex Sill began playing guitar and piano at age 12 and progressed quickly, eventually earning a top spot in Lee Ritenour’s international Six String Theory Competition. Inspired by the likes of Larry Koonse, who suggested Sill enroll at CalArts, and shredder Steve Vai, who has said that “Alex Sill...