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…
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
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…
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