Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
The newest album from Frank Kimbrough, Play, will be released on May 16, on Palmetto Records. Touted as “spontaneous and improvisational,” Play features performances by bassist Masa Kamaguchi and legendary drummer Paul Motian.
Recorded in just five hours at Palmetto’s Maggie’s Farm on April 26, 2005 with no rehearsal, the album is the follow-up to 2004’s Lullabluebye. On the recording experience, Kimbrough said, “We played on a beautiful, sun-dappled spring afternoon in the country, set up in the same room…the day was intense, but comfortably so, the atmosphere friendly and enhanced by a true generosity of spirit.”
The album includes the tracks “Beginning,” “Lucent,” and “Little Big Man,” among others, all of which are original compositions by Kimbrough, with the exception of the album title track and “Conception Vessel,” both composed by Motian.
In support of the new album, Kimbrough will perform music from Play with Motian and Jay Anderson at the Jazz Standard on July 12 and 13. He will also appear at Merkin Hall in a piano concert with Paul Bley on May 22.
For more information visit www.frankkimbrough.com or www.palmetto-records.com.
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…