I always wanted to write how Miles Davis talked: abrupt, profane, contemptuous, in a stiletto rhythm that jabbed and stung and threw off unexpected sparks of enlightenment and tenderness. Of course, ...

The most compelling releases of the year reimagined hip-hop tracks, deep-rooted collaborations and longstanding inspirations. By Hank Shteamer In a year that saw the deaths of two leading drummers, ...