# My Jazz Life Exclusive scoops, deep-dive reviews, and sharp reflections on the pivotal moments connecting jazz, travel, and cultural perseverance. Page: Feed: --- ## [The Art of Starting Small (Part 1)](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/the-art-of-starting-small-part-1) _2026-08-15 · Mark Ruffin_ How Brian Jackson & Gil Scott-Heron's 50-year Legacy Endures, Now More Than Ever ## [🎧My Jazz Life Recap, April - July 2026](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/my-jazz-life-recap-april-july-2026) _2026-07-31 · Mark Ruffin_ Listen now (5 mins) | The Best of the "My Jazz Life" Newsletter on Substack ## [The West Coast Renaissance](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/the-west-coast-renaissance) _2026-07-29 · Mark Ruffin_ Why Jazz’s Center of Gravity Shifted to the Golden State. ## [The Cultural Time Machine: Kassa Overall’s “CREAM”](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/the-cultural-time-machine-kassa-overalls) _2026-07-15 · Mark Ruffin_ Swinging From Stage to Stage at FIJM with this month's Gateway Jazz ## [The Terry Callier Wave and Filming Content for Jazz Worldwide in Montreal](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/jazz-worldwide-presents) _2026-06-30 · Mark Ruffin_ Introducing upcoming albums releases with Allan Harris, honoring Terry Callier, and the announcement of my new podcast "Jazz Worldwide". ## [My Creative Escape in Los Angeles](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/a-creative-escape-in-la) _2026-06-20 · Mark Ruffin_ My Session w/ Peter Erskine at SiriusXM's Garage, Peabody Awards, Gateway Jazz Playlist entries, New Merch, and the Chicago riot I witnessed at a Sly concert. ## [May Birthdays, Chicago Echoes, JFA and “Sending the Elevator Down”](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/may-birthdays-chicago-echoes-jfa) _2026-05-28 · Mark Ruffin_ Sharing birthdays, a great Ramsey Lewis story. and milestones from the past month in My Jazz Life including a backstage pass into the JFA Gala in NYC. Plus more! ## [“We’re Heading Back Home” - The 2026 Summer Festival Itinerary](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/were-heading-back-home-the-2026-summer) _2026-05-18 · Mark Ruffin_ It always feels so exciting coming back after home after being away - I’m speaking in either distance or duration when I say this. ## [A Great Night, A Greater Cause, and Anniversaries in Across the Pond](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/a-great-night-a-greater-cause-and) _2026-05-17 · Mark Ruffin_ When I heard that Incognito was celebrating their 45th anniversary in London at the Royal Festival Hall, I knew I had to be there. ## [Reach prospects with real signals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/WXuOJ9m2kbII) _2026-05-17 · **Sponsored**_ Find prospects talking about your problem and get context-backed moments to engage ## [Chicago Highlights Broadcasters During International Jazz Week](https://myjazzlife.substack.com/p/chicago-highlights-broadcasters-during) _2026-04-23 · Mark Ruffin_ A Celebration of the History of Jazz Radio in Chicago