Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
An auction house has announced the upcoming sale of several guitars from George Benson’s personal collection, as well as a trumpet played by Miles Davis. The auction will take place at Skinner’s Boston gallery Oct. 14.
Six guitars from Benson’s personal collection will be auctioned off, including three made by luthier Jimmy D’Aquisto, two of his treasured keepsakes and one he used on the popular album Breezin’ (Warner Bros.). They are valued between $7,500 and $70,000. In addition, more than 40 American vintage guitars will be up for sale—some valued as high as $30,000.
A custom-made Miles Davis trumpet will round out the auction. The engraved Martin instrument, valued between $25,000 and $35,000, was pictured on the 1970 album cover, A Tribute To Jack Johnson (Columbia).
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
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…
