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… “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… “What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode. May 13, 2025 12:39 PM Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed… 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…
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