Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Trumpeter, Educator Jim Rotondi Dies at 61
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Whether riffing on his latest album, his dynastic jazz family, his formative experiences in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his teaching experiences, his interest in science or his love of sports, Branford Marsalis speaks his truth.
(Photo: Scott Chernis)During 2019, DownBeat published hundreds of articles and album reviews. What’s below, though, are some features and web stories that seemed to have stuck out, whether for the sheer quality of the prose or simply the importance, thoughtfulness or audacity of the performers who were profiled.
There’s a lot to wade through, so take your time, and let the intensity and virtue of each of these players wash over you. Your new favorite recording might be buried in there somewhere.
For a look at some of our best stories from 2018, head over here. DB
Alicia Olatuja Has Faith in Her Voice
A Renewed Spotlight on Anthony Braxton
Branford Marsalis Discusses the Genre, Teaching Music and Getting Up Early
Brian Blade Leads ‘Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration’
Church of St. John Coltrane Marks 50 Years, Sets Fundraiser
The Complex Sounds of Caspar Brötzmann
Cultivating the Legacy of Sam Rivers
ECM and Manfred Eicher on the Search for the Sublime
Eric Dolphy: The ‘Prophet’ of Freedom
For New Live Recording, Dave Liebman Heads Back Out ‘On The Corner’
Gilles Peterson on U.K. Scene, Brownswood, Starting a New Festival
Guitarist Rez Abbasi Crafts New Soundtrack for 1929 Silent Film ‘A Throw Of Dice’
How Musicians Are Evolving the Legacy of Resistance
The Kaleidoscopic Colors of Hiromi’s Pianism
Ivan Conti’s Been Combining Jazz, Rock, Samba for Decades
Jamaaladeen Tacuma and The Last Poets Move Beyond the Nation’s Combative Moment
James Carter Reimagines the Art of Django Reinhardt
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque Fosters Connection Between Cuban Music, Jazz
Jazzmeia Horn is Steeped Tradition, Yet Fully Planted in the Present
Jenny Scheinman on Risk, Adventure and Starting a New Band with Allison Miller
Jerry Bergonzi Shines with ‘Seven Rays’
Joshua Redman Finds ‘Founts of Inspiration’
Kendrick Scott at the ‘Height of Optimism’
Kenny Barron on Compatibility, Writing and Mulgrew Miller
Linda May Han Oh Reaches Across the Musical Spectrum
Melissa Aldana’s Indisputable Command
Mike Patton, Jean-Claude Vannier Collaboration Predicated on Versatility
Miles Davis Documentary Premieres, Portraying a Man of Contradictions
Miles Davis’ ‘Rubberband’ Finally Arrives
Noah Preminger in Perpetual Motion
Now’s the Time for Brandee Younger
Patrice Rushen’s Journey Through Jazz, Pop and Hollywood
Poncho Sanchez Provides the Percussive Punctuation
The Price, Cost and Value of Digital Music
Ron Carter, Beatniks and Corrective History
Sara Gazarek Charts Path Through Loss, Heartache on ‘Thirsty Ghost’
Separated by 50 Years, Israels, Diehl Find Common Ground
Terri Lyne Carrington Transforms the Culture
Theo Croker is a ‘Catalyst for Action’
The Transformative Power of Nat ‘King’ Cole
Three British Labels are Deep in Dialogue with the American Jazz Tradition
Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.
Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Charles Lloyd, seen here at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, makes DownBeat Poll history!
Jul 11, 2024 12:23 PM
The incomparable Charles Lloyd swept the 72nd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll, becoming the first artist ever to earn…
“Being president of Blue Note has been one of the coolest things that ever happened to me,” Was said. “It’s a gas to serve as one of the caretakers of that legacy.”
Jun 4, 2024 12:21 PM
Sitting with Don Was is a comfortable and unhurried exercise. He may seem slightly reserved at first, but ideas and…
The Century Room in downtown Tucson, Arizona, was born in 2021.
May 21, 2024 12:58 PM
Players got to play. It’s long been a part of jazz history: When there’s a venue vacuum, when there are fewer…
“She reminds me of my childhood and makes we want to cry,” Cécile McLorin Salvant, pictured here with writer Ashley Kahn, said of Dianne Reeves.
Jun 11, 2024 12:31 PM
Italy’s Umbria Jazz Winter is one of those rare annual festivals that not only coincides with a major holiday —…
