Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
The Belgian blues artist Roland performs a tribute to Moondog at the Gent Jazz Festival in Ghent, Belgium, on July 10.
(Photo: Jos L. Knaepen)This year, the Gent Jazz Festival in Belgium celebrated its 15th edition on July 7–16 with the kind of high-quality program that fans have come to expect. Founded as the Blue Note Festival (it changed its name roughly halfway through its existence), the event spanned two long weekends, opening with hardcore jazz, but frequently spreading out toward sympathetic musical styles.
Unlike other big festivals, the selections in Gent are usually more esoteric and alternative, although the program still provides some popular acts.
The impressively historic city of Ghent lies in the Flemish, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, and the festival takes place in a large pavilion, where this year, crowds flocked to see Kamasi Washington, Pat Metheny, John Cale, Jill Scott and St. Germain.
Despite the international thrust of its bookings, some of the most exciting music this year was indigenous: not just from Belgian generally, but from Ghent in particular. There was, of course, the riotous Flat Earth Society big band, a Belgium-based ensemble that has long held a significant global profile, touring the Americas, Europe and beyond. At Gent, the band’s inspired, kinetic set was purportedly dedicated to the memory of Frank Zappa, although without actually playing many of his works.
There was a hyper-speed medley that quoted “Eat That Question” and “I’m The Slime,” among many more, in its rapid-fire jumping, and this was followed by stirring versions of Zappa’s “There Will Come A Time” and “City Of Tiny Lites,” which showcased the singing of guest guitarist Mauro Pawlowski, a member of the Belgian rock band dEUS (though regular Flat Earth Society guitarist Pierre Vervloesem was actually more exciting as a soloist and general performer). The group concluded with the colossal complexities of “Abracadabra.”
De Beren Gieren, a trio that walks the improvisational edge, is one of Belgium’s best jazz groups, consistently probing for fresh textures and dynamics. Launching straight into brooding stormclouds at Gent, they quickly found a pulse, with Fulco Ottervanger offering a stream of piano notes before the set evolved into a headlong vehicle for simultaneous soloing. Lieven Van Pee bowed his bass, Simon Segers gently darted around his drum-skins, and a glassy shimmer gradually developed.
Electronics magnified the piano interior, and the music jolted from calm to aggressive before landing once again on a dreamy cloud. Much of the set had a suite-like quality, and the trio concluded with a more conventional groove—drums wild, bass flooding and piano hammering as electronics trilled in the background.
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet will record live at New York’s Village Vanguard for ECM records on Aug. 26–27.
Jul 22, 2026 12:46 PM
One of Joe Lovano’s buzz terms is “the moment of now” and with seemingly infinite patience — despite a schedule…
