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Will Layman: Writing & Criticism

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My Substack

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The Latest:
* Four Sweet Singing 2025 Alto (Saxophones)
* Jazz Piano in 2025
* What is Jazz Singing Anyway?
* Jazz Reimaginings of The Grateful Dead
 

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Recent Video

Review: Lex Korten, CANOPY (Sounderscore, 2025)

Review: Kneebody - REACH (GroundUp, 2025)

Review: Brandon Woody's FOR THE LOVE OF IT ALL (Blue Note, 2025)

Recent Writing

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Henry Threadgill, LISTEN SHIP: Review

The great composer uses four acoustic gutiars, two acoustic bass guitars, and two pianos to create a 16-part suite. And it's a delicate classic.

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Fieldwork, THEREUPON: Review

The veteran trio returns after 17 years with a brilliant album of huge clarity and range. Among the best of 2025.

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Stephen Philip Harvey: Interview

This young, relatively unknown jazz composer has new large ensemble music out that bears comparison with some of the finest compowers in jazz. Here is out conversation

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Dave Douglas, ALLOY: Review

The veteran trumpeter and composer has a new band with three trumpets plus Patricia Brennan on vibes. As usual, it is riveting.

Review: YE OLDE II: AT THE END OF TIME, Jacob Garchik

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Linda May Han Oh, STRANGE HEAVENS: Review

The bassist and composer with a trio including trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Tyshawn Sorey - grooving all the way.

Review: FIRST MEETING, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland

LAYMAN ARCHIVES

Stephen Philip Harvey: Interview

A remarkable composer of octet and large ensemble jazz in conversation

RADIO

"Midnight Books" 

NPR All Things Considered

"Books About Music" 

NPR All Things Considered

"My Glorioius Pen" 

NPR All Things Considered

"Books for July 4th" 

NPR All Things Considered

"On Graduation" 

NPR Morning Edition

"Elements of Style" 

NPR

"Sax v. Trumpet" 

WNYC Soundcheck (w/ Branford Marsalis)

"Miles Davis Debate" 

WNYC Soundcheck (w/ Ashley Kahn)

"Drummer Debate" 

WNYC Soundcheck (w/ Janet Weiss)

"Streisand Debate" 

WNYC Soundcheck

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"Jazz Today" Features

JAZZMATTERS AND ANNUAL LISTS

Best Jazz of 2024

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JazzMatters: Summer 2024

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JazzMatters: May 2024

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JazzMatters: Winter 2024

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Best Jazz of 2023

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JazzMatters: Autumn 2023

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JazzMatters: Summer 2023

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JazzMatters: May 2023

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JazzMatters: March 2023

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JazzMatters: January 2023

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More Annual Lists

CLASSIC COLUMNS

"Smooth Jazz I Like" 

WBGO Website

Reconsidering Late
Steely Dan

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Jazz Albums for Beginners

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Defense of Steely Dan

Old BlogSpot Post

Rock is the New Jazz

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Metheny/Mehldau Interview

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Eleven Best Chick Corea Albums

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Wynton Marsalis Interview

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Terence Blanchard Interview

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Terence Blanchard Interview

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"Dear John" Letter to Jazz

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