Arifur Rahman, Author at Best of Jazz

All posts by “Arifur Rahman”

Thomas Naïm – May This Be Love (Acoustic Guitar Takes on Jimi Hendrix)

French guitarist, composer, and producer Thomas Naïm is one of the most prominent musicians in his country. He was declared one of the top three French guitarists in the ‘Best of’ 2023, and 2024, by Jazz Magazine and Jazz News.

Naïm began his journey with music in his earlier years, at the age of 12. The initial influence that left an indelible mark on him was Rock, which explains why he chose the guitar among all the instruments. However, as time went on, as inquisitive and experimental as his approach to music in the past and present times, he found himself becoming interested in a multitude of musical styles. And as a consequence of his musical journey, he discovered his love for jazz.

Jazz in India – 21st Century

Jazz in India sounds quite different to Western jazz because of the deep influence of Indian classical music in this region. Indian Classical music and jazz both share a common pillar that supports the foundations of these musical styles and traditions and that is improvisation. So, the fusion of these two was just a matter of time, and it happened in the last century with some of the greatest musicians we have ever seen. This trend of fusion turned the music into a new genre called Indo Jazz.

Kurt Rosenwinkel: Top 5 Must-Hear Picks

Contemporary jazz has seen numerous artists taking it by storm, but a handful of them have been around for decades and crowned for being remarkable and distinctive. Guitarist and composer Kurt Rosenwinkel is one of the elites even among these chosen ones. Revered for having one of the most original styles of composing and guitar playing as well as distinct guitar tones, it is a herculean task to find modern guitarists who Rosenwinkel’s music has not swayed.

Julian Lage: Top 5 Must-Hear Picks

From the African rhythmic rituals, Jazz originated in the African-American communities of Louisiana and underwent multiple astounding transformations over a century. Now, it is unequivocally accepted as an art form with the utmost artistic freedom. Among the torchbearers of our current era, Julian Lage is a musician who possesses a sui generis style as a jazz guitarist.

Fabiano Do Nascimento: Top 5 Must-Hear Picks

Born from Brazil’s rich and diverse musical heritage, Fabiano Do Nascimento is one of the most prominent and celebrated contemporary Brazilian guitarists and composers. His intricate compositional approach and virtuosic playing style embody the delicate rhythms of bossa nova and the spirit of samba. And, with the improvisational chops of contemporary jazz, his artistry has won over the audiences and critics alike. Nascimento’s instrument mastery is palpable from his exquisite fingerpicking techniques and the enthralling symphony on strings. With each note, he crystalizes the core essence of Brazilian music. Rooted in authenticity and passion, his music has been deemed worthy of a fitting place in the jazz music scene.

Rez Abbasi: Top 5 Must-Hear Picks

To be a musician is to have authenticity. Amidst myriads of notable contemporary artists, pioneering jazz guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi has checked that box from the onset of his emergence in the jazz music scene. His sincere love for music led him to find his niche where he weaves the stories of ancient rhythms through the lens of modern sensibility. Music is more than sound in his world. It’s an intricate and entwined net of traditional and innovative ideas. Abbasi’s virtuosic improvisation on the guitar has made him one of the most distinctive and stylistic guitarists in the contemporary jazz scene.

Left-Handed Jazz Guitarists (& Blues)

Have you ever wondered whether left-handed people are smarter than right-handed ones? You might have even heard people say that left-handers are more creative, as most of them use their “right brain.” This might sound like a plausible explanation that makes you say “Yes” to the posed question. However, you would be wrong if your answer is a simple “Yes.” This argument might just be a myth.

The Best Blues Guitarists

Blues originated from the African-American tradition. This musical style embodies the hardships and experiences of African-American culture. Over the course of more than a century, many talented musicians have imbued blues with their own philosophy of life and music. In this article, we are going to take a look at the 25 best blues guitarists who shaped the blues music we experience today.

The Best Jazz Guitarists

musicians with their innovative playing styles that have shaped the genre. Throughout history, numerous influential jazz guitarists have made substantial contributions to the genre. Here are 25 of the best jazz guitarists who have left an indelible mark on the genre.

The 10 Best Indo Jazz Albums

Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Indo Jazz. With its mesmerizing amalgamation of Indian classical music’s rich traditions and the improvisational spirit of jazz, Indo Jazz has birthed a treasure trove of remarkable albums over the years.

We will uncover here for you the 10 Best Indo Jazz Albums that have captivated audiences and pushed the boundaries of musical expression. From the soulful melodies of Indian ragas intertwining with the grooves of jazz rhythms to the spellbinding improvisations that transcend borders, each album on this list represents a unique fusion masterpiece. So let’s delve into these extraordinary albums: