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…
Rounder Records will release Corey Harris’ new album, Mississippi To Mali, on November 18. A select-city solo tour is already under way.
As on 2002’s Downhome Sohpisticate, the guitarist and composer explores the African and African-American influence on blues in tracks produced in both Mississippi and Mali.
“To make the connection between our ancestors’ music and today’s black music, we must listen,” Harris writes in the liner notes.
Ali Farke Toure, Ali Magassa, Souleyman Kane, Sam Karr, Bobby Rush and Sharde Thomas, joined by the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, made cameo appearances on the album. The first episode of PBS’s The Blues, hosted by Harris, also featured many of these artists.
Harris will be touring solo through December to promote the album. Engagements on Nov. 13, 15, 16 and 17 will be with the “Tell The Truth” tour, a politically charged music trek with Billy Bragg, Lester Chambers and Steve Earle.
Corey Harris on tour:
Oct. 25: Durham, N.C.; Blues Festival
Oct. 29: Chicago; Fitzgerald’s
Nov. 5: Oakland, Calif.; Eli’s Mile High Club
Nov. 7: Whidbey Island, Wash.; WICA
Nov. 8: Seattle; Tractor Tavern
Nov. 13: Nashville, Tenn.; The Trap
Nov. 15: Asheville, N.C.; The Orange Peel
Nov. 16: Atlanta; Variety Playhouse
Nov. 17: Tampa, Fla.; Tampa Theatre
Nov. 29: Easton, Pa.; Museum Benefit (with Levon Helm)
Dec. 5: Asheville, N.C.; Grey Eagle
Dec. 31: Charlottesville, Va.; First Night Virginia (with Darrell Rose)
For more information, go to www.rounder.com
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…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
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…
