May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
A panel of judges that included Quincy Jones, Herb Alpert, Clark Terry and Terence Blanchard selected Ambrose Akinmusire as the winner of the 2007 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition held on Oct. 28 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. As the winner, Akinmusire received a $20,000 scholarship.
Akinmusire was born in Nigeria and grew up in Oakland, Calif. He started playing drums at age 4, drums at age 11 and trumpet at age 12. He studied with Steve Coleman at the Manhattan School of Music and in 2001 began touring and recording with him. Akinmusire has toured with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.
Second-place winner Jean Caze was awarded $10,000 and third-place winner Michael Rodriguez received a $5,000 scholarship. The competition will air nationwide on BET and PBS.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
