Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Blind Pig Records has announced the signing of veteran blues and R&B singer Nappy Brown. The label will release his latest album, which he called “the best record I have done since 1955,” in the fall.
Originally a gospel singer, Brown recorded a string of hits for Savoy Records, including his signature tune, “Don’t be Angry,” and “The Right Time,” a song later associated with Ray Charles.
Producer Scott Cable, best known for his work with blues legend Carey Bell, has known Brown since childhood. “I have wanted to make this record for 20 years,” he said in a news release. “The time is right now for the public at large to hear and appreciate a singer of Nappy’s caliber with the right backing.”
Included in the backing lineup are guitarists Bob Margolin, Sean Costello and Junior Watson, keyboardist Jim Pugh of the Robert Cray band, bassist Mookie Brill—who just won a Blues Music Award as best bassist—and Brown’s Blind Pig labelmate, singer/harmonica player John Nemeth.
“It’s my time now,” Brown said of the project. “This is the first time in 30 years I’ve had the chance to do my music with cats that understand it. It is going to be on.”
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
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.…
