Jazz Upfront

Peoria native Brianna Thomas on her new album reaches back to Nina Simone for current context, and writes about forgiveness on her new album "Everybody Knows."

When vocalist Yoseph Henry plays Jazz UpFront this weekend, he'll bring his deep love of — and history with — gospel music with him. He says like many African Americans, his first taste of music was in his church.

When saxophonist Lisella (pronounced: lee-SELL-ah) Martin headlines this Saturday’s Front Street Music Festival in downtown Bloomington, she’ll proudly bring with her to the stage the rich musical history of East St. Louis, a city often in the national spotlight for various troubles.

When saxophonist Christopher McBride and his band “The Whole Proof” play Jazz UpFront in Bloomington Saturday night, they’ll bring “the entire African-American experience with them.”

Chicago jazz pianist and educator Lara Driscoll credits University of Illinois piano professor Chip Stephens for inspiring the title to her debut album…

Oak Park native and organ aficionado Neal Francis infuses his original music with the classic soul vibe of the 1960s and 70s. His debut album “Changes” is…

Taylor Steele says a spicy sound may soon mix with the Illinois prairie sound her Effingham-based band is known for.Steele tells WGLT a recent trip to New…

Drew deFrance loved the comparison of his namesake band with the sound of classic rockers like Bad Company and Mott the Hoople.“Wow, thanks so much,…

Acclaimed 37-year-old bluesman Brandon Santini has an award-winning new album and is edging into a newer sound.The North Carolina native said that…

Lil' Ed Williams and his band The Blues Imperials emulate the Chicago houserockin’ style of fellow Alligator Records great Hound Dog Taylor and Lil' Ed's…