Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Kamasi Washington topped three categories in the DownBeat Critics Poll, including Jazz Album of the Year, for his three-disc set, The Epic.
(Photo: Mike Park)Flute: Nicole Mitchell
Piano: Kenny Barron
Keyboard: Robert Glasper
Organ (tie): Joey DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie Smith
Guitar: Bill Frisell
Bass: Christian McBride
Electric Bass: Marcus Miller
Violin: Regina Carter
Drums: Jack DeJohnette
Percussion: Hamid Drake
Vibraphone: Gary Burton
Miscellaneous Instrument: Béla Fleck (banjo)
Female Vocalist: Cécile McLorin Salvant
Male Vocalist: Gregory Porter
Composer: Maria Schneider
Arranger: Maria Schneider
Record Label: ECM
Producer: Manfred Eicher
Blues Artist or Group: Buddy Guy
Blues Album: Buddy Guy, Born To Play Guitar (RCA)
Beyond Artist or Group: David Bowie
Beyond Album: David Bowie, Blackstar (Columbia)
RISING STAR WINNERS
Rising Star–Jazz Artist: Kamasi Washington
Rising Star–Jazz Group: JD Allen Trio
Rising Star–Big Band: Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra
Rising Star–Trumpet: Marquis Hill
Rising Star–Trombone: Michael Dease
Rising Star–Soprano Saxophone: Donny McCaslin
Rising Star–Alto Saxophone: Grace Kelly
Rising Star–Tenor Saxophone: Kamasi Washington
Rising Star–Baritone Saxophone: Lisa Parrott
Rising Star–Clarinet: Oran Etkin
Rising Star–Flute: Elena Pinderhughes
Rising Star–Piano: Joey Alexander
Rising Star–Keyboard (tie): Nik Bärtsch and Sam Yahel
Rising Star–Organ: Pat Bianchi
Rising Star–Guitar: Liberty Ellman
Rising Star–Bass: Luques Curtis
Rising Star–Electric Bass: Tim Lefebvre
Rising Star–Violin: Mads Tolling
Rising Star–Drums (tie): Mark Guiliana and Kendrick Scott
Rising Star–Percussion: Ches Smith
Rising Star–Vibraphone: Khan Jamal
Rising Star–Miscellaneous Instrument: Omer Avital (oud)
Rising Star–Female Vocalist: Kate McGarry
Rising Star–Male Vocalist: Ku-umba Frank Lacy
Rising Star–Composer: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Rising Star–Arranger: Christine Jensen
Rising Star–Producer: Zev Feldman
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
“He’s constructing intelligent musical sentences that connect seamlessly, which is the most important part of linear playing,” Charles McPherson said of alto saxophonist Sonny Red.
Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM
“I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people…
Albert “Tootie” Heath (1935–2024) followed in the tradition of drummer Kenny Clarke, his idol.
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
“Both of us are quite grounded in the craft, the tradition and the harmonic sense,” Rosenwinkel said of his experience playing with Allen. “Yet I felt we shared something mystical as well.”
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Larry Goldings’ versatility keeps him in high demand as a leader, collaborator and sideman.
Feb 21, 2024 10:45 AM
Are you having any fun? Larry Goldings certainly is. Consider just two recent examples:
Scene 1: “If anyone had…
