May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Naná Vasconcelos (1944–2016)
(Photo: Courtesy of nanavasconcelos.com.br)Naná Vasconcelos, the acclaimed percussionist and master of the single-string berimbau, died March 9 from lung cancer in Recife, Brazil, the city where he was born. He was 71.
Among his accolades were numerous wins in the two DownBeat polls. Vasconcelos won the Percussionist category in the DownBeat Critics Poll every year from 1983 to 1991. Additionally, he won the Percussionist category in the DownBeat Readers Poll in 1983, 1984 and 1987.
During his long career, Vasconcelos collaborated with dozens of musicians, including guitarist Pat Metheny, vocalist Milton Nascimento, saxophonists Jan Garbarek and Gato Barbieri and trumpeter Don Cherry.
Vasconcelos helped popularize interest in world music with albums such as 1988’s Asian Journal, on which he collaborated with Badal Roy (tabla), Steve Gorn (bamboo flute, soprano saxophone) and Mike Richmond (bass) to create intriguing musical textures that combined elements of jazz, traditional Indian classical music and Middle Eastern influences.
As a leader, Vasconcelos’ discography included Saudades (ECM), Storytelling (EMI), Fragments: Modern Tradition (Tzadik) and Sinfonia & Batuques (Azul), which won a 2011 Latin Grammy in the category Best Native Brazilian Roots Album. DB
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
