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Maaike Den Dunnen, the Netherlands-based jazz vocalist, made a lasting impression in the latest season of the Made In New York Jazz Competition, securing the 2nd place spot. In addition to receiving a strong vote of support from fans, Maaike stood out to our panel of judges—Lenny White, Randy Brecker, and Mike Stern—who selected her as a winner for her beautiful performance and artistic clarity.

The Made In New York Jazz Competition is stepping up its game online, making it easier and more exciting for jazz musicians to connect with fans and get noticed. The competition's website, madeinnyjazz.com, has some cool new features that are a big deal for anyone who loves jazz and wants to make a name for themselves.

Nicole Zuraitis caresses notes, bends them to blue, and keeps it gauzy and breathable: this is the new CD Hive Mind by the New York City songwriter-pianist. Her syncopation sizzles in The Inscription and the keys burn up while getting down to a gritty soul. Her cover of Jolene is astounding, heartbreaking, raw, and like a thousand points of sunlight. On this track, the piano is lovely and brilliant and added to the subtly thumping drums, makes this song a genuine standout.

To consider jazz in a political light even the history behind the term jazzâ itself (debatably pejorative) is, to some, the only true context. This becomes one of many ways in which to regard the 1972 shooting death of trumpet player Lee Morgan by his common-law wife Helen. The factors at play in this on-stage tragedy included love, jealousy and hate; addiction; artistry; and a culture of racial divisiveness.