Stanley Cowell's Legacy Celebrated in Reissued Album, The Sounds of Independence

Recent jazz coverage highlights the enduring freshness of early 1970s Strata-East recordings by Stanley Cowell and Music Inc., showcasing how artists took control of their careers amid a challenging era for mainstream and avant-garde jazz. Cowell's virtuosity and the cooperative spirit of ensembles like Music Inc. are celebrated for their innovation and self-determination in a time when major labels showed little interest. Meanwhile, Jazz Appreciation Month continues with a robust lineup of live performances, tributes, and special events, including concerts by Sean Jones, a tribute to Ahmad Jamal, and the return of Jazz Poetry Month featuring the trio Thumbscrew. Upcoming events also honor the legacy of Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington, and the NEA Jazz Masters concert will be broadcast from the Kennedy Center. Together, these stories illustrate both the historical significance and vibrant present of jazz as it evolves through artist-driven initiatives and community celebrations.