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…
Dave Brubeck took home top honors at the BBC Jazz Awards on Thursday. The legendary pianist was given a Lifetime Achievement Award, and he also performed via satellite link from New York with the BBC Big Band, led by Guy Barker.
Hosted by Paul Gambaccini, the awards recognized British jazzers Martin Taylor, Finn Peters and The Neil Cowley Trio, in addition to celebrating the life and work of George Melly. This year’s ceremony included a new category, International Artist of the Year, which was awarded to platinum-selling French-American singer Madeleine Peyroux. And this year’s BBC Radio 2 Jazz Artist of the Year award went to Curtis Stigers.
There will be more information on the awards and a chance to listen again at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 3.
Winners of BBC Jazz Awards 2007 were:
BBC Radio 3 Jazz Line-Up Best Band: Finn Peters
Radio 3 Jazz On 3 Innovation: Tom Bancroft
Rising Star: Simon Spillet
Best Instrumentalist: Julian Siegel
Best Vocalist: Ian Shaw
Album Of The Year: Displaced – Neil Cowley
Radio 2 Jazz Artist of the Year: Curtis Stigers
Radio 2 Heart of Jazz Award: Martin Taylor
Services to Jazz: Gary Crosby
International Award: Madeleine Peyroux
Lifetime Achievement: Dave Brubeck
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…
