Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin review – an inspiring homage
Part church service, part exploration of Black identity, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter’s tribute to Baldwin revisits his writing in the light of Black Lives Matter
Jazz album of the month
Wayne Shorter: Celebration Volume 1 review – first posthumous LP is a true classic
This 2014 live recording of the saxophonist’s late-career quartet showcases one of the great modern jazz bands and the enthralling genius of their leader
Meshell Ndegeocello: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin review – a fire reignited
Baldwin’s stinging words on race and America are matched with the kind of musical eloquence that the great writer himself so admired
July 2024
Maestros in Fusion review – virtuosic Indian ensemble knit two traditions together
Nigel Kennedy: why I’m going on stage to play jazz with my ‘young cats’
Mark Winkler: The Rules Don’t Apply review – crisp, timeless joie de vivre
Mercury prize 2024: Charli xcx, the Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons among nominees
Peter Charlesworth obituary
Volume festival: André 3000 brings experimental flute jams to an event that’s wonderful when weird
‘I sexed it up’: 1970s disco queen Asha Puthli on Warhol, Dali and influencing Donna Summer
Seven ways to experience the best of Switzerland
Kessoncoda: Outerstate review – ambient London jazz duo’s expansive debut
Artist of the week
Arooj Aftab review – crackling wit and songs of elegiac beauty
‘A folk music wolf in doom metal clothing’: readers’ favourite albums of 2024 so far
One to watch
One to watch: Berlioz
My love supreme for the very best of jazz
Jazz album of the month
Norma Winstone and Kit Downes: Outpost of Dreams review – bonded by jazz tradition
June 2024
Nduduzo Makhathini: uNomkhubulwane review – entrancing South African jazz
This three-movement album from pianist and shaman Nduduzo Makhathini’s trio combines blues, bop and folk song to transcendental effect
Brief letters
Keith Jarrett and all that plink-plonk jazz
Brief letters: Gentle jazz | Piano man | Political pledges | Tory leaflets | Labour toast
I may not understand jazz – but I know enough to know it’s wonderful
Adrian Chiles
It’s one of the most baffling of all art forms, and the most mocked. Laugh all you like; these musicians are working miracles, writes Adrian Chiles