Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Reedist and National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters fellowship recipient Roscoe Mitchell, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, bassist Junius Paul and drummer Vincent Davis perform during Thursday’s NEA ceremony.
(Photo: Courtesy SFJAZZ)As the Democratic National Convention streamed in what seemed like an alternative universe on Aug. 20, Dee Dee Bridgewater serenaded an online audience from the foyer of her home backed by the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Big Band at the beginning of the 2020 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters ceremony.
Mary Anne Carter, chairperson of the NEA, then welcomed folks and thanked SFJAZZ for cohosting the event, before radio presenter Dorthaan Kirk was introduced as the evening’s first remote honoree. Each of the four fellowship recipients—which also included bassist Reggie Workman, reedist and composer Roscoe Mitchell and improvising vocalist Bobby McFerrin—was lauded through video tributes and biographical details dispensed by fans of the artists. The ceremony originally was planned to be held April 2 at the SFJAZZ Center, another event dramatically changed by the pandemic.
Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, the evening’s music director, followed Kirk’s section with a medley of work by her husband, reedist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935–’77).
Workman’s tribute centered on his Philly roots, with Bridgewater narrating a star-studded career arc, calling him a “scientist of sound.” The bassist traced his own story, too, describing his experiences with John Coltrane, Art Blakey and any number of other genre-defining bandleaders.
“I do realize the importance of giving back,” said Workman, who teaches at The New School in New York, where he mentors the next generation of composers and innovators.
As Workman performed remotely with a Carrington-led troupe, the online chat section overflowed with accolades and exclamations: “NIIIIIICE #FootPrints,” one viewer wrote.
In a nontraditional night filled with nontraditional musicians, Mitchell still stood out, with Bridgewater noting his use of little instruments.
“The AACM had a good mission, and we were encouraged to be individuals,” the composer recalled about his early days, going on to discuss 50 years of Art Ensemble of Chicago history.
Likely the best known honoree of the evening, Bobby McFerrin also was honored for following a career path that disregarded boundaries, crossing back and forth between vocal experimentation and pop-world success. “All that technique is just a vehicle for the spirit,” Bridgewater said in her introduction.
Seated in front enormous succulents, McFerrin scatted his way through an acceptance speech before Carrington led a Bridgewater-fronted ensemble through “Lift Every Voice And Sing” to close out the evening. DB
Updated Aug. 25
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
