Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Pianist, Educator Hal Galper Dies at 87
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Bassist Avishai Cohen is making plans for his 50th birthday in 2020.
(Photo: Andreas Terlaak)As part of the 50:50:50 project, which marks Avishai Cohen’s 50th birthday in 2020 with a series of international concert dates in 50 cities, the bassist is announcing a music award.
The Avishai Cohen Music Award 2020, which has been devised in partnership with the bassist’s RazDaz Recordz, encourages musicians from all genres, at all stages of their education, to make submissions. The winner will be given the opportunity to record and release an album through RazDaz.
Cohen perceives the award as an extension of his work as a mentor, according to a news release.
Deadline for submissions is Aug. 31. To enter, visit Cohen’s website. DB
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…
Jordan was a dyed-in-the-wool bebopper whose formative musical experiences were with Charlie Parker.
Aug 12, 2025 10:24 AM
Sheila Jordan, a vocalist who was celebrated for her scatting and lyric-improvising abilities, died Aug. 11 at her home…
“I don’t guess I’m going to excite you; I know I’m going to excite you,” Palmieri said in an August 1994 DownBeat feature.
Aug 12, 2025 10:33 AM
Famed Latin jazz composer, bandleader and pianist Eddie Palmieri passed away in his New Jersey home on Aug. 6. He was…
“What I got from Percy was the dignity of playing the bass,” Buster Williams said of Percy Heath.
Aug 26, 2025 1:53 PM
Buster Williams, who at the age of 83 has been on the scene for 65 years, had never done a Blindfold Test. The first…
