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How do you find your own voice in jazz? Martin Jacobsen shares how Kind of Blue sparked his journey, what mistakes taught him on stage, and why limited technique can be a strength. In this interview, he reflects on self-teaching in Copenhagen, the essence of jazz as an aural tradition, and what players can learn from his books Let’s Speak Jazz and Let’s Play Jazz. An inspiring read about intuition, freedom—and trusting your own path.

Bruce Gertz is a renowned double bassist and has been an influential professor at Berklee College of Music for 48 years. As part of the vibrant Boston jazz scene, he has shaped countless bassists through his personalized teaching methodology that emphasizes building on students' strengths while developing their individual musical voices. What drives a musician who has collaborated with jazz giants like Jerry Bergonzi, Gary Burton, and John Abercrombie? How did Charles Mingus' album "Blues & Roots" transform his musical direction, and why does he still take lessons from legendary bassist Ron Carter after five decades of playing? Gertz shared these insights during our conversation.

Beyond performing, Gertz has released over 15 albums as a leader and many more as a sideman, with his debut album "Blueprint" marking a significant career milestone. His instructional book "Let's Play Rhythm" has become essential reading for aspiring musicians across all instruments. Whether teaching advanced improvisation techniques or advocating for the balance between ensemble and solo bass playing through his work with The International Society of Bassists, Gertz continues to inspire the next generation of jazz musicians.

Forgotten, dusty, outdated? Not at all! While many have already written off the pipe organ, it is currently experiencing a revolutionary rediscovery – and beyond church walls. With computer-based controls and unexpected soundscapes, Berlin's AGGREGATE Festival demonstrates what the organ is truly capable of.

Toshio Hosokawa will receive the 17th Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the category Music and Opera from the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) Foundation. The awards have been presented annually since 2008 in eight different categories, recognising achievements in fields such as basic research, ecology and computer science. Each winner receives a prize of 400,000 Euros. The awards ceremony will take place in Bilbao on June 18, 2025. Previous winners in the Music and Opera category include Pierre Boulez, Sofia Gubaidulina, Arvo Pärt and Peter Eötvös.

Pēteris Vasks will be honoured with the Latvian Grand Music Prize for his life’s work. The award ceremony will take place on 23 February at the Lielais dzintars concert hall in Liepaja.

Experimental piano meets orchestral big band: Sebastian Sternal and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band break new ground on their album Turning Point. Genre-crossing Sebastian Sternal has written music for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band that sounds almost classical while retaining the freedom of jazz. In each piece, the musicians celebrate the rules of their art at the highest level by breaking them with relish. A feast of sounds for discerning music lovers of all genres.

Schott Music is very excited to announce that British composer Edmund Finnis has signed an agreement to join the publishing house’s international roster of composers. Finnis’ music has been praised as “ethereally beautiful”, “bewitching” and “iridescent” by performers and the press over a career that has seen him establish close and long-lasting musical relationships with many high-profile performers.

The works of Estonian composer Elis Hallik will be published by Schott Music in the future. Born in 1986, the musician has made a name for herself in Europe with her individual style and will bring a new voice to the Schott catalogue.

Violin Junior is a new creative violin method for primary-age children. The books are fun and engaging with beautiful illustrations, a wide range of musical styles, lots of rhythm, composition and improvisation games and a thorough musical and technical approach that provides children with a strong foundation to their playing whilst encouraging their creativity.

Xilin Wang is one of China's most important composers. The “Symphony No. 3” was composed in 1989. The four-movement work is considered a "serious meditation" on the ten-year-long inhumane "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution" and was written under the impression of the massacre at Tiananmen Square.