Bruce Crowther's web links

Don Ellis

Immensely informative and useful, this site is a must for all those who regard this man as one of the giants of big band jazz. When he died in 1978, he was way ahead of his time; he still is.

Donny McCaslin

If your interest in this fine musician has been piqued by my interview/article, then take a look at Donny 's own site which includes details of his forthcoming live gigs and tours, etc.

Mundell Lowe

Veteran he may be, but as his website shows, this superb guitarist still maintains a vigorous schedule of worldwide engagements.

Mundell's credits range through jazz giants Lester Young and Billie Holiday to Benny Goodman and Charlie Parker.

David Hazeltine

The interview/article with David might also prompt you to seek more information about this fine artist. If so, then take a look at his own site which will keep you informed of his forthcoming activities.

Despite the many years that have elapsed since his time in the spotlight, Gene Krupa is still for many the world's most famous drummer. There are a number of sites dedicated to the man and his music, notably Joe Pagano's excellent Gene Krupa Reference Page.

On this site, you will find not only details of books, CDs, DVDs and videos, but also much more besides, including a lively Question & Answer section that links Krupa fans of all ages worldwide.

Also excellent and well worth a visit is the site run by my near-namesake, Bruce Klauber, where you will find rare Krupa CDs, DVDs and videos, many of them produced by Bruce K himself. In case you are in Europe, these items are also available from a UK source, Hudson Music Europe, who supply them in compatible format.

The Big Band Database

Murray Pfeffer's site deals with scores of US bands, and also looks at the big band scenes of Canada, Europe and the UK. Fully living up to its claim of providing a World of Information, here you will find a wealth of material on instrumentalists, arrangers, singers, songwriters, and currently active big bands. The fascinating byways down which to wander are far too numerous to list here; just take a look for yourself.

Jazz Professional

Late in 2005 I was sad to learn of the death of Ron Simmonds whose web site was a joy for anyone interested in big band music and much else besides. I believe that Ron's site is still up there but is not being updated, hence I shall leave this link to a fine historical research source.

Jazz History

This site, operated by Noal Cohen, deals with many more things besides big bands. Recently, while seeking information on the present whereabouts of Lucky Thompson, a mutual friend sent me to Noal's site. There, I found all that I needed to know about this fine (and not so lucky) saxophonist and so much more besides. I am sure that you too will find much here that will be of interest to you.

Jazz Articles

John Robert Brown's site contains articles on a wide range of musicians, among them Wynton Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Bob Florence, Daryl Sherman and Chuck Israels. John has many years experience as an educator at the Leeds College of Music and as broadcaster, bandleader and composer. He is currently Chairman of the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain. John's site includes links to musicians, musical instrument manufacturers and to music educators, magazines, authors and administrators.

Duke Ellington

For all who are interested in the music of Duke Ellington, one of the outstanding composers and bandleaders of the 20th century, this site by David Palmquist will quickly become a regular place to visit. Collected here are scores of links to websites that deal in one or another of the many facets of the life and career of this most remarkable man.

A fine singer with a wide-ranging repertoire, Carol Akerson's love of music is evident whether she is singing gentle ballads or up-tempo swingers. In addition to her performance work, Carol is also active as a producer and is deeply involved in music education.

Although parts of Sathima Bea Benjamin's long career have been spent out of the international spotlight, all who have heard her sing live or on record know that she is a distinctive and gifted artist.

A singer of considerable charm and skill, Joyce Breach's reputation as both jazz singer and cabaret artist grows with each appearance. Her warm, mature vocal sound is the source of great delight for all who love the best.

If you, like me, enjoy the singing of Eva Cassidy and want to learn more about this gifted young artist, take a look at Laura Bligh's excellent site that is dedicated to Eva's memory.

Although she has been around for a few years, Roz Corral has only recently released her first CD and very good it is too. Based in New York, she is someone to listen out for; a jazz singer with class.

Not only is Meredith d'Ambrosio an eloquently graceful singer, she is also a strikingly gifted painter. Those of you who already own any of her albums will know that the evocative watercolours that adorn their covers are her own work. In addition to album details, some of her paintings can be seen on her site.

A lively and immensely entertaining singer, Connie Evingson sings and swings a wide range of music. Her repertoire includes songs by Lennon and McCartney, music in the style of Django Reinhardt, and songs by Dave Frishberg, all performed with a vibrant sense of enjoyment.

Always subtly swinging, Sandy Graham is an inventive singer whose jazz sense is unfailing. Her repertoire is filled with music that delights, ranging though the great standards by way of jazz songs. Sandy's interpretation of lyrics is mature and unerring. She has recorded all too infrequently and those CDs that are around belong in the collections of all discerning lovers of jazz singing.

Based in Southern California, Ellen Johnson is a singer, songwriter and teacher of notable skill. Ellen's subtle swing and warmly evocative interpretations make her relatively few albums musical moments to admire and to cherish.

American born, and now fully embraced by the British jazz audience, Stacey Kent has found a new approach to old favourites. Stacey's relaxed style, aided and abetted by saxophonist husband Jim Tomlinson, is aglow with class.

A leading interpreter of jazz and popular song, Nancy Marano is also a sought-after teacher. Her site lists all information on her activities as performer and academic, together with details of forthcoming gigs and recordings.

Mature and highly distinctive, René Marie's career did not really begin until 1998 with the appearance of her first CD. Already, she is in the front rank of jazz singers, a position she consolidates with every new release, and which she will surely hold for many years to come. One of the best jazz singers of this or any other time in the music's long history.

In the relatively few years that she has been on the scene, Tina May has built a reputation and a well-deserved following for her jazz singing skills. Equally adept on ballads and swingers, her mature and confident approach wins her yet more fans with every live & CD appearance.

A skilled and sensitive interpreter of jazz and popular songs, Mary Pearson makes far too few records for someone with her considerable talent. Those CDs that are around deserve the attention of every discerning lover of good songs well sung.

Mature and commanding, Sandi Russell is an imposing presence on stage and now on record. Her repertoire blends jazz and classic popular songs, as well as some of her own material. Only a couple of CDs around, but well worth seeking out because this is a very special kind of artist.

Swinging and fluent, Spider Saloff is a a highly talented singer presently based in Chicago. Increasingly, her considerable talent is being recognized around the world, and rightly so.

A world class artist, Janet Seidel's international reputation is deservedly flooding outwards from her Australian homeland. Thanks to Janet's superb albums, audiences worldwide now recognize the quality of her artistry.

Jewel of the New York Jazz and cabaret scene, Daryl Sherman sings and plays piano with skill and understanding. Daryl's interpretations of the great standards are exemplary, and she performs with lithe swing and witty aplomb.

Consummate jazz singer Carol Sloane always displays elegant assurance and seemingly effortless swing. Highly regarded by the top-flight instrumentalists with whom she works and fully deserves the acclaim she and her albums have earned.

A highly talented singer, Lisa Thorson's music consistently displays her commitment to jazz. Additionally, Lisa teaches and works on behalf of the physically handicapped, activities that have earned her national recognition.

A sublime interpreter of the great American songbook, Marlene VerPlanck's international stature continues to grow. Marlene's albums, all of them featuring the showcasing arrangements of husband Billy VerPlanck, are flawless gems.

Jazz Singers' Sites

This is definitely the place to go if, like me, you have a thing about singers. On this site you will find links to dozens of singers; featuring biographies, discographies, venues, comments, thoughts, and more.

This is an absolute must for fans of singers.

Jazz Vocal Coalition

If you are a singer and want to connect with others, JZVOC will delight you with its vision and ambition. This group is run by singers, for singers, and seeks to build a better future for the music and its interpreters.

Do not miss seeing the JZVOC site.