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…
A bandleader, composer and member of Terence Blanchard’s E-Collective, pianist Fabian Almazan synthesizes a lifetime’s worth of experiences on This Land Abounds With Life, a disc that includes contributions from bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Henry Cole.
The new trio recording, out June 14 on Almazan’s Biophilia imprint, is, in part, a reflection of the pianist’s first trip back to Cuba since leaving there as child. Some snippets of field recordings find their way onto a couple tracks, “Songs Of The Forgotten” boasting a bit of birdsong. Below is the debut of “Benjamin,” the first track on This Land, a tune that references a character in George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
“The novella was banned in all the communist countries, including Cuba,” Almazan says about the Orwell book in a press release. “I’m seeing a lot of things happening in the U.S. right now that are reminiscent of what happens right before a dictatorship. I just want to remind myself and others not to forget the past.”
For more information about Almazan’s upcoming album, as well as a spate of trio tour dates, visit his website. DB
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…
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How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
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Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
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Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
