Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Artistic co-director Herbie Hancock speaks during the 2018 International Jazz Day in St. Petersburg, Russia.
(Photo: Courtesy International Jazz Day)For two days in Melbourne, Australia, during April, International Jazz Day will celebrate the genre’s worldwide influence and ability to transcend borders.
The annual event, now in its seventh year, counts pianist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter James Morrison as artistic co-directors of the All-Star Global Concert planned for April 30 at Arts Centre Melbourne. The musical director is pianist John Beasley.
Performers in Melbourne are set to include:
During the week leading up to the All-Star Global Concert, educational programs are slated for students who are part of the indigenous Yarrabah community, as well as for public school students in the New South Wales district. Additional outreach programs are planned in Adelaide, Perth and other cities.
Festivities wrap up during the first weekend of May with the “Generations in Jazz” youth festival in Mount Gambier, South Australia, a program helmed by Morrison and vocalist Kurt Elling. According to a press release, organizers plan for the event to become the largest youth jazz festival in the world, featuring more than 6,000 young participants.
For more information about the celebration, as well as Jazz Day events taking place in other countries, visit the International Jazz Day homepage. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
