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…
Los Angeles-based Alex Hahn performs at the first Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition, which was held at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eliat, Israel.
(Photo: Odasan Macovich)Los Angeles-based Alex Hahn took top honors on Monday at the inaugural edition of the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition, which was held at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eliat, Israel.
Named for the innovative saxophonist and DownBeat Hall of Famer who died in 2007, the competition aims to manifest Brecker’s “spirit and influence” in subsequent generations of jazz players while bolstering young, new talent, according to a press release.
Judges in the final round were Ron Carter, Kenny Garrett, Donny McCaslin and Eli Degibri, artistic director of the Red Sea festival.
“Michael was always supportive of young saxophonists and would have been delighted and humbled,” Susan Brecker, co-founder of the competition and Michael’s widow, said about the event.
Hahn was awarded $12,500; for second place, Miami-based Alex Weitz was awarded $7,500; and for third place, Boston-based Artem Badenko was awarded $2,500.
Semi-finalists also included Niall Cade, Nathan Bellott, Sheridan Hitchcock, Sean Payne and Daniel Varga.
For additional information about the event, visit the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition homepage. DB
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…
