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…
On August 28, Concord Jazz will release Anthem, trumpeter Christian Scott’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Rewind That.
The album is a collection of 12 tracks teeming indie-rock, neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz, and it features an appearance by Brother J of X-Clan. The album presents a taste of Scott’s hometown, New Orleans, and the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. It also reflects the many changes Scott has undergone since releasing his his debut album in 2006. “My life changed completely,” he said in a news release. “There’s something here for everybody so that everyone can hear their own personal anthems.”
Scott’s sophomore album comes on the heels of rave reviews from last year’s Rewind That, which was a nominee for Best Contemporary Jazz Album at this year’s Grammy Awards. In a DownBeat interview, fellow trumpeter Chris Botti said, “Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of CDs by new trumpeters. The only one I like is Christian’s. He’s the new voice in jazz trumpet. I love his point of view. He doesn’t sound like any other young trumpet player.”
Scott’s other recent credits include session work with Prince and Randy Jackson for their upcoming albums. In addition, he is slated to appear and perform in the new Steven Soderbergh film “Leatherheads” starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger.
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…
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…
Camille Thurman took to the stage alongside bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Tommy Campbell for a rendition of Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” that recalled Rollins’ epochal 1957 trio outing Way Out West.
Oct 6, 2026 1:33 PM
As emcee Mark Ruffin noted at the commencement of an epic tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins at the Cathedral of…
