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…
The Gil Evans Project pays tribute to Sketches Of Spain in a recent video.
(Photo: GoFundMe)Ryan Truesdell, the director and founder of the Gil Evans Project, is aiming to keep the members of his ensemble afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Like so many other troupes and performers looking to make it through, that’s meant shifting things online. And recently, the Gil Evans Project streamed a remote performance titled Concierto De Aranjuez, named for the opening cut off the Evans-Miles Davis collaboration, Sketches Of Spain. The 16-minute video takes into consideration not just the cool tone of Davis’ rendition, but also the perspective of the song’s composer, Joaquín Rodrigo.
“I know these are financially difficult times for many of us, but any amount you can spare would go a long way to ease the financial burden this pandemic has (and will continue to) place on the musicians you see in this video,” Truesdell wrote on his GoFundMe page. “No donation is too small ... or too big! 
And if you can’t give financially, that’s OK! If you enjoy the band’s performance, please consider helping by sharing the video and this fundraiser with your friends and on social media, so we can reach an even broader audience.”
To donate to the ensemble, visit its GoFundMe page. DB
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…
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.…
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
