Tony Herrington researches the sources of the saxophonist’s recent outspoken pronouncements on the pandemic and Brexit.

When the Nigerian saxophonist Chris Ajilo died in February he was hailed at home as a legend of Nigerian music. Here Val Wilmer fills in the details of his formative experiences in the UK’s 1950s jazz clubs and dance halls

As Feed Me Weird Things is released in a 25th anniversary edition, Tom Jenkinson recalls the gadgets that made it tick

The US composer recalls his pivotal meeting with the pioneering dancer and choreographer who has died aged 100

As a complement to the cover story of The Wire 448, a two-part special on Van Der Graaf Generator, Edwin Pouncey surveys the surreal designs that adorned the covers of the early albums by the UK art rock outliers and their singer Peter Hammill

Jazz historian and biographer Marc Chaloin pays tribute to the US saxophonist, who died on 6 April 2021 at the age of 87

Percussionist Ben Hall reflects on his time under the tuition of the kaleidoscopic drummer, professor, martial artist and communicator

The reggae historian and Blood & Fire label boss recalls joyous nights in the dance alongside the foundation deejay, who died this month

As the festival of international music films goes online again from 19–21 February, Ben Verghese reviews some highlights

The vocalist, improvisor and global sound collagist remembered by his occasional musical collaborator Dennis Tyfus

Fellow improvising guitarist Ross Lambert recalls his first encounter with the late Mopomoso mastermind and contemplates his style and approach

Julian Cowley talks to the surviving members of the pioneering avant garde ensemble, instrument builders and improvisors who between 1968–75 were equally at home performing Christian Wolff, premiering Karlheinz Stockhausen compositions, eating ice cream with John Cage or realising their own works anywhere in the world, be it at Glastonbury, London’s Sadler’s Wells or an arts festival in Shiraz, Iran

Mosi Reeves remembers his 2003 encounter with the influential New York producer rapper

Pierre Crépon celebrates the career of the late pianist Bobby Few, who united the avant garde and the power of song and dance

The Wire's Julian Cowley looks back at the life, work and unseen worlds of the experimental composer, who has died at the age of 75

The Wire’s Mike Barnes remembers his 1996 encounter with the ambient composer

George Grella looks back at the work of a digital music innovator, who has died at the age of 75

Julian Cowley pays tribute to the Romanian avant garde composer

Veteran spinner and host Raj Chaudhuri remembers the many DJ booths where he has taken to the airwaves

“Drop out” Japanese punk group are about to drop their debut record – 20 years after they formed. By Biba Kopf