“The bridge represents me realizing that I am way too young to be feeling like this anyway.” Raven Moran, a sophomore studying jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music, shares a new composition.

“I follow this path to pay respect to my elders, homage to the ancestors, and to present uniquely inspired performances for my audiences.” Cassandra Wilson on her jazz lineage.

“I have known people who had all the cash in the world but didn’t have a clue about putting together a killing outfit.” Bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma shares his undying passion for vintage fashion.

“I was on the couch and I had one of those things when you start waking up, and I was opening up my eyes, and there was shit flying all over the room.” JD Allen and Eric Revis recall strange happenings in the Brooklyn apartment they shared.

“I love to get up early for a flight: something about the day waiting to unfold recharges me.” Kendrick Scott reflects on a recent trip to Orvieto, Italy.

“In a world where lynching is tacitly legal, Black lawbreaking is damn near compulsory and emancipatory—especially in music.”

“1. Your social media account has more followers than you have album sales.” From saxophonist, composer, and educator Walter Smith III, a special 18-point quiz, just for musicians.

Jason Moran and Matana Roberts discuss Coin Coin, Marie Therese Metoyer, a freed slave and businesswoman who helped establish a Creole community in Louisiana—and an ongoing inspiration for Roberts.