Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Craig Taborn joins recent jazz-musician MacArthur Fellows Tomeka Reid (2022), Cécile McLorin Salvant (2020), Mary Halvorson (2019) and Tyshawn Sorey (2017).
(Photo: Courtesy John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation)Pianist, keyboardist and composer Craig Taborn has received many accolades over his 30-plus-year career, but none quite so lucrative as his latest. Taborn, 55, is one of the names on the list of 2025 MacArthur Fellows.
Often called a “genius grant,” the fellowship is a prestigious award of $800,000 given annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to scientists, artists and others as an investment in their potential. In the foundation’s words, the cash award goes to “extraordinarily talented and creative individuals.”
“In performances and recordings as a soloist, bandleader and sideman, Taborn brings a fearless and sophisticated approach to music making,” the foundation said in a statement announcing his fellowship. “He draws from musical traditions as varied as traditional and contemporary jazz, contemporary classical, experimental, electronic, rock, metal and hip-hop. His constant exploration of genre and style informs his own distinct musical intelligence and voice.”
Taborn is one of 22 new fellows announced for 2025 and the only musician in the new class. He joins such recent jazz-musician fellows as Tomeka Reid (2022), Cécile McLorin Salvant (2020), Mary Halvorson (2019) and Tyshawn Sorey (2017).
He is currently preparing for a European tour in November. Taborn is also a member (with guitarist Nels Cline and drummer Marcus Gilmore) of Trio of Bloom, whose self-titled album was released on Sept. 26 by Pyroclastic Records. Trio of Bloom is featured in the November issue of DownBeat. DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
