Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Robert Glasper
(Photo: Courtesy Concord Jazz)Keyboardist, composer and jazz party starter Robert Glasper begins a jam-packed, star-studded, 33-day residency at the Blue Note in New York beginning Friday, Oct. 1. Offering 66 shows with a wide variety of guests, the Glasper residency promises to be a highlight of the fall jazz season in the city.
With some guests still to be announced, the shows are taking shape. This weekend kicks off with the Robert Glasper Original Acoustic Trio. Glasper brings in the star power of vocalist Ledisi Oct. 5–6 and presents the super group August Greene featuring Common, Glasper and Karriem Riggins Oct. 7–10. The keyboardist offers a tribute to Wayne Shorter that features Marcus Strickland, Kendrick Scott, Keyon Harrold and Vincente Archer Oct. 12–13. Meshell Ndegeocello joins Glasper Oct. 14–17, and Glasper and Terrace Martin present Dinner Party with special guests, plus BJ The Chicago Kid, Oct. 19–24. The residency finishes out the month with Glasper presenting Black Radio with special guests PJ Morton and Bilal Oct. 26–31.
Glasper’s residency continues with a Tribute to Chick Corea Nov. 2–3, featuring Christian McBride and Marcus Gilmore, and concludes Nov. 4–7 with special guests Chris Dave and Derrick Hodge.
Go to bluenotejazz.com for more information and tickets, DB
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
“He’s constructing intelligent musical sentences that connect seamlessly, which is the most important part of linear playing,” Charles McPherson said of alto saxophonist Sonny Red.
Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM
“I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people…
Albert “Tootie” Heath (1935–2024) followed in the tradition of drummer Kenny Clarke, his idol.
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
“Both of us are quite grounded in the craft, the tradition and the harmonic sense,” Rosenwinkel said of his experience playing with Allen. “Yet I felt we shared something mystical as well.”
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Henry Threadgill performs with Zooid at Big Ears in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Apr 9, 2024 11:30 AM
Big Ears, the annual four-day music celebration that first took place in 2009 in Knoxville, Tennessee, could well be…
