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…
Aerophonic Records has set up a GoFundMe to support Williams, who’s being treated for ampullary cancer.
(Photo: Aerophonic Records)Aerophonic Records has set up a GoFundMe campaign for saxophonist Mars Williams, a prolific artist in the creative music community who was recently diagnosed with a rare disease known as ampullary cancer in which a tumor develops near the bile duct and pancreas. He underwent major surgery in January, followed by a three-week hospital stay to recuperate. In March, Williams began a six-month course of chemotherapy.
“Extensive medical bills, high drug costs and at least nine months of being unable to work are all taking a severe toll,” Aerophonic Records founder Dave Rempis said in an announcement emailed to music media outlets. “While he does have insurance, that only covers a portion of the monumental expenses. And like most lifelong working musicians, he doesn’t have the savings to see himself through a crisis of this magnitude. Despite these challenges, his attitude is totally upbeat, and he’s tackling this like everything else in his life — head on. But he needs our support to make it through … as he works hard to get back onstage where he belongs.”
Williams’ influence radiates outward from his home base in Chicago to every corner of the globe. As a Grammy-nominated instrumentalist, composer and bandleader, he’s fronted too many ensembles to count, ranging from his longstanding working band Liquid Soul, Witches and Devils, NRG Ensemble, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, An Ayler Xmas, XmarsX and Boneshaker. In the rock world, Williams is celebrated for his decades of recording and touring with The Psychedelic Furs, as well as stints with The Waitresses, Ministry, Power Station, Billy Idol, Die Warzau, Jerry Garcia, Billy Squire and others.
To contribute to the GoFundMe for Williams, click here. 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…
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.…
“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…