Kevin Whitehead

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that some of the soloists Duke Ellington featured in the bandleader's big band left a lasting impression -- even after their departure. Whitehead reviews two new CD anthologies which feature trumpeters Bubber Miley and Louis Armstrong's collaborations with the jazz composer.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Complete Blue Note Recordings of George Lewis," a box set featuring the music of early New Orleans clarinetist George Lewis. Whitehead says you don't need to be familiar with Lewis's historical significance to understand the timeless grace of his playing.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the multi-instrumentalist genre-hopper is distinctive; but his music has been largely overlooked, in part because may considered his eclectic approach middle-brow. Whitehead hopes two new reissues of Kirk's music will bring Kirk some much-deserved attention.