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…
Joey Alexander’s new album, Countdown, will be released on Sept. 16.
(Photo: Courtesy of Motéma Music)Following the success of Joey Alexander’s 2015 debut, My Favorite Things, Motéma will release the 13-year-old pianist’s sophomore album, Countdown, on Sept. 16.
The nine-track program features a mix of originals by Alexander, as well as new arrangements of classics by John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn and Herbie Hancock.
Bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and producer Jason Olaine join Alexander on Countdown, reprising their roles from My Favorite Things.
The young pianist’s debut received Grammy nominations in two categories: Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Improvised Solo (for his solo on “Giant Steps”). Alexander topped the category Rising Star–Piano in this year’s DownBeat Critics Poll.
Alexander, who generated considerable media attention for his performances at the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival, will return to Newport on July 30.
The pianist will play at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York on Sept. 29–Oct. 2.
(Note: For additional information on Joey Alexander’s album Countdown, visit the Motéma website.)
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… “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 —… Maria Schneider said of Decades, her new compilation release: “I just wanted to create something, put it in a beautiful box and say, ‘Look at what we did.‘” Jun 18, 2024 12:00 PM Maria Schneider opened the sleek black box and placed it on a coffee table in her Manhattan apartment. Inside lay the…
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