David Hajdu

David Hajdu is the music critic of The Nation and a professor at Columbia University.

David Ackles Album

David Ackles, Rediscovered Again David Ackles, Rediscovered Again

Stacy Sullivan’s jazz tribute elevates the unknown troubadour back to his rightful place among the glittered gods of ’70s pop-rock.

Jul 20, 2016 / David Hajdu

Paul McCartney Performing

Now He’s Amazed Now He’s Amazed

A stalwart critic of Paul McCartney becomes a fan.

Jun 22, 2016 / David Hajdu

A James Brown Book Like No Other

A James Brown Book Like No Other A James Brown Book Like No Other

Kill ’Em and Leave is a stunningly unorthodox book, indifferent to the conventions of biographical nonfiction.

Jun 16, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Henry Threadgill

Old Locks and Irregular Pounds Old Locks and Irregular Pounds

Henry Threadgill’s improvisations are adventurous, though never at the expense of human feeling.

Jun 3, 2016 / David Hajdu

Prince

Prince: The Moment’s End Prince: The Moment’s End

The artist was a creative force who seemed constitutionally incapable of not making music.

Apr 22, 2016 / David Hajdu

David Bowie Singing

Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie Why Donny McCaslin Was David Bowie’s David Bowie

In the making of Blackstar, David Bowie trusted that Donny McCaslin and his quartet would invoke a profoundly emotive album.

Jan 26, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Donald Trump

Trump the Improviser? Trump the Improviser?

This candidate operates in a jazz-like fashion, but all he makes is unexpected noise.

Jan 21, 2016 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Dreamers, Drifters, Mopers, and Defeatists

Dreamers, Drifters, Mopers, and Defeatists Dreamers, Drifters, Mopers, and Defeatists

Adrian Tomine’s universe features a society of contingent values, ill-defined expectations, and diminishing options.

Dec 23, 2015 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Forget What You’ve Heard: These Were the Ten Best Albums of 2015

Forget What You’ve Heard: These Were the Ten Best Albums of 2015 Forget What You’ve Heard: These Were the Ten Best Albums of 2015

In a year when sales numbers fell to an all-time low, the quality of music produced was stunningly high.

Dec 17, 2015 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Steve Coleman

Steve Coleman Works the Connections Steve Coleman Works the Connections

The composer and saxophonist’s hybrid jazz fuses the sounds of the world.

Dec 2, 2015 / David Hajdu

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