Aug 4, 2026 12:09 PM
In Memoriam: Plas Johnson, 1931–2026
Plas Johnson, a jazz and R&B tenor saxophonist whose sound — if not his name — was known to millions of people…
Johnson provided the slithery, smoky sax lead on Henry Mancini’s theme for the 1963 Peter Sellers film The Pink Panther.
Aug 4, 2026 12:09 PM
Plas Johnson, a jazz and R&B tenor saxophonist whose sound — if not his name — was known to millions of people…
“Jeff knows just what to play, how to construct drum fills around the arrangement,” Willie Jones III says of Jeff Hamilton. “Very musical.”
Jul 28, 2026 1:55 PM
A month before the June release of Memories Of You, the ninth leader album by Willie Jones III and the 34th release on…
In 1955, Urtreger released a landmark recording among European interpretations of the bebop literature, René Urtreger Plays Bud Powell.
Jul 28, 2026 1:43 PM
René Urtreger, perhaps the leading exponent of unreconstructed bebop among French pianists in postwar Paris — and,…
Fun-loving progressive powers, mixed with kitschy and shiny space/myth age costumes, make the Cosmic Swing Orchestra both entertaining and envelope-pushing.
Jul 28, 2026 1:34 PM
Here are two of significant traits of the Molde Jazz Festival, in the beauteous fjord-kissed landscape of Western…
Laura Chavez’s My Voice is not a vocal album.
Jul 28, 2026 1:06 PM
Billy Price: Random Madness (Get Hip; ★★★★ 47:32) Though never as widely celebrated as his aptitude merits,…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant took her North Sea artist-in-residency as an opportunity to explore her fascination with early music.
Jul 22, 2026 12:24 PM
Having finally fulfilled my mission to get to the legendary North Sea jazz festival, I can confirm the rumors I’ve…
Count Basie’s is the most-represented orchestra on the new Mosaic V-Disc set.
Jul 22, 2026 11:58 AM
The V-Disc program lasted less than six years (1943–’49) but it documented quite a bit of rewarding music. In 1943,…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
