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…
Heads Up International signed an exclusive recording agreement with Incognito, the UK-based neo-soul group that mixes multicultural grooves with their American soul and funk roots.
Incognito will make its Heads Up debut with Tales From The Beach scheduled for release on June 24.
While the Incognito lineup may change frequently to capture whatever vibe group founder Jean-Paul Maunick, also known as Bluey, is seeking on any given project, many of the current key members have been in place for several years, including drummer Richard Bailey, bassist Francis Hylton and keyboardist Matt Cooper. Vocalists Tony Momrelle, Joy Rose and Imaani have also been regulars for the past four years.
Recorded in Italy, Germany, Indonesia and London, Tales From The Beach is a 15-track set. The album title is a reference to Maunick’s musical evolution since his childhood in Mauritius, an island near Southern Africa. “When I was a kid, my first taste of music came from the beaches,” he said. “I spent a lot of time listening to the hotel bands, or the bands playing around the bonfires and cookouts. It’s a small island, so there were beaches everywhere. I was always watching live musicians play. So for inspiration for this album, I went back to various beaches around the world – in Italy, Indonesia and elsewhere – and just let the music flow.”
More info: headsup.com
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.”
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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.
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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…
