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…
Grammy nominations for the 50th annual awards presentation were announced today in Los Angeles. Herbie Hancock’s River: The Joni Letters (Verve) was nominated for album of the year and best contemporary jazz album, as well as best jazz instrumental solo for “Both Sides Now.” Hancock’s competition in the jazz instrumental category include Will Bernard’s Party Hats (Palmetto), Downright Upright (Artistry) by Brian Bromberg, Re-imagination (Masterworks Jazz) from Eldar and Jeff Lorber’s He Had A Hat (Blue Note).
Recipient of a five-star DB album review, Maria Schneider Orchestra’s Sky Blue (Artistshare) was nominated for best large jazz ensemble album.
Dee Dee Bridgewater received a nomination for best jazz vocal album for Red Earth-A Malian Journey (DDB/EmArcy). The category features some tough competition with other nominees including Kurt Elling’s Nightmoves (Concord), Freddy Cole’s Music Maestro Please (HighNote), Best traditional blues album nominations went to, among others, Koko Taylor for Old School (Alligator), Otis Rush and Pinetop Perkins. Bettye LaVette’s The Scene Of The Crime (Anti) was nominated for best contemporary blues album.
The 50th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 10 in Los Angeles.
More info: grammy.com
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…
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