Guardian Music — The Guardian reader commonly known as llamalpaca gives us his choices from last week's threadThis week's playlist has been selected by llamalpaca.Biblical, spiritual, mysterious and sometimes downright unbelievable: miracles have been two a penny thi... more info

Popdose — Louis Armstrong is one of the most important figures in the history of music. Critic Gary Giddins says he “invented modern time.”  Kenny G is one of the most polarizing figures in jazz. Although he sells records by the zillions, critics and seri... more info

Guardian Music — The Digital Music Index shows just how popular illegal downloading – particularly of Ed Sheeran – has becomeIf you're like me and the vast majority of people in the UK, on Monday morning you discovered many people in your area risked legal action... more info

Guardian Music — Unassuming master of post-bop jazz who refused to leave his native ChicagoTo get the real point of Von Freeman, the American tenor saxophonist who has died aged 88, you had to hear him in one of the Chicago jazz lounges that he inhabited throughout h... more info

Guardian Music — Hugh Masekela kicks off the first of our exclusive live music sessions from the 2012 Womad music festival with a performance of Louis Armstrong's Rockin' ChairBen KapeAndy Gallagher more info

Guardian Music — Amina Addy on how two very different artists came together to capture the spirit of African slave musicWe first saw Wynton Marsalis on television soloing with a symphony orchestra in 1981. The announcer said he came from New Orleans. "I'm going to w... more info

Guardian Music — New Orleans jazz trumpeter and composer who became a pillar of the London music sceneLike his New Orleans compatriot Wynton Marsalis, the jazz trumpeter Abram Wilson, who has died of colon cancer aged 38, was an exponent of quicksilver technique, blu... more info

Guardian Music — He idolises John Lennon, doesn't disrespect women, and works with the most eclectic producers, but this Harlem rapper's main aim is to 'stay young'Harlem is changing. As the sun goes down on West 123rd Street, people with their possessions in shoppin... more info

Guardian Music — Ronnie Scott's, London"Now we're going to play something by the finest musician of all time," the octogenarian saxophonist Lou Donaldson announced. "Lou Donaldson," supplied his guitarist Randy Johnston encouragingly. "I wish that were true," Donalds... more info

Guardian Music — The veteran musician on God, politics, his favourite singer and why weed should be decriminalisedWhat were the songs that made you realise you wanted to be a musician?When I first started out, I sang a lot in church. Amazing Grace was the first song ... more info