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10 Questions With: Portland Rapper Mic Capes


Capes discusses becoming a full-time musician, Tupac's influence on his life, the role TriMet played in his writing and why it's so obvious that the president of the United States is a racist.

Photo: David Stuckey/OPB

R+R = NOW Conquers Portland, Then World


On the second night of Soul'd Out, jazz supergroup and local Portland luminaries grace their respective stages with brave new material.  

Photo: Bradley W. Parks/OPB

Erykah Badu Brings The Soul To Portland


The legendary musician brought the funk to her sould-out (pun intended) performance at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Wednesday.

Photo: Bradley W. Parks/OPB

Portland Label Unearths Lost Sun Ra Concert


When you think about the most important musical experiences of your life, the concerts that helped shape your perception of both music and yourself, how do you conjure up those black box recorder sounds? 

Photo: Jackpot Records


Arts | Music

Why Christian Scott's Centennial Trilogy Is a Masterpiece

KMHD staff takes a look inside the most underappreciated music release of 2017.

Arts | Entertainment | Music

KMHD's Top 10 Jazz Albums Of 2017

Here at KMHD, we listened to an incredible volume of amazing music in 2017. It’s been a year of releases that remind us why this sound is so important — it uplifts, inspires, reflects and makes space for honesty.

Arts | Music | Entertainment | local

KMHD's Top Singles Of 2017

In jazz, single cuts can contain a dimensionality and completeness that takes pop music a whole album to achieve.  And, as we witness a transition from albums to singles as the primary format for new music releases - a top singles list is essential.

Arts | Music

Notations from — Marcus Roberts, Part I of II

KMHD's Deborah DeMoss Smith, host of The Second Line from 11am-1pm on Sundays, talks with pianist Marcus Roberts.

Music

Roy Ayers: Tiny Desk Concert

Watch the 77-year-old jazz-funk icon perform "Everybody Loves The Sunshine" (and more) at the Tiny Desk.

Arts | Music

Abdullah Ibrahim: How Improvisation Saved My Life

We couldn't be more excited to see Abdullah Ibrahim headline this year's PDX Jazz Festival. Check out an animation/interview with Abdullah from our friends at Jazz Night in America, and don't miss his on-air interview with DJ Derek Smith, airing next Tuesday on the Morning Session (7-10am) and the following Wednesday on Takin' Off (3-6pm)!

World | Music | Health

What Hugh Masekela Meant To South Africa's Freedom Fighters

The jazz trumpeter, who died this week, was an outspoken opponent of apartheid and a longtime social activist. His music was the "soundtrack of the revolution," says author Sisonke Msimang.

Music

'Jazz Is The Mother Of Hip-Hop': How Sampling Connects Genres

Watch pianist Robert Glasper demonstrate how three samples from jazz tracks by Ahmad Jamal and Herbie Hancock served as source material for famed hip-hop producers J Dilla and Pete Rock.

Music

Nate Smith + KINFOLK: Tiny Desk Concert

The drums take center stage at this Tiny Desk. Watch veteran jazz percussionist Nate Smith dazzle the NPR audience in a transfixing performance.

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Upcoming Events

May 10, 2018
*KMHD DJ Event: Hard Choices' Mark Montesano presents Jazzed About Jazz*
May 12, 2018
St. Johns Bizarre
May 17, 2018
Fritzwa w/ ThankUSoMuch

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