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…
At a press conference this week, the Los Angeles Philharmonic announced that Herbie Hancock will succeed bassist Christian McBride as the third Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the next Creative Chair for Jazz, and follow in the footsteps of Christian McBride, who has presented programming of incredible breadth and talent,” Hancock said. “I intend to continue this tradition and also bring to fruition new ideas and one-of-a-kind programs in two of the finest venues for live music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.” MO< “We are truly privileged to have such a highly-regarded musician of the caliber of Herbie Hancock to follow Christian McBride as our next Creative Chair for Jazz,” said Deborah Borda, President of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. "We are thrilled to welcome him to our organization, and deeply grateful for Christian’s guidance."
McBride is excited to pass the baton to Hancock to lead the jazz programming for the L.A. Philharmonic.
“My tenure as Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic has truly been one of the most rewarding of my career,” says McBride. “It was an unbelievable opportunity to present unprecedented jazz programs. Having the legendary Herbie Hancock succeed me in this position is an astounding honor and a testament to the LA Phil’s firm commitment to promoting the best that jazz has to offer.”
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…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
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.…