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…
Jason Moran extends his connection to gallery spaces at the Armstrong Center in Corona, Queens.
(Photo: Clay Patrick McBride)Armstrong House: Pianist Jason Moran is set to curate Here To Stay, a permanent exhibit at the Armstrong Center, an extension of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona, Queens. The new building, across the street from the original museum, is set to open next year with the show, focusing on the trumpeter’s work with other performers, as well as his relationship with Lucille, his wife. “Pops is a game changer on and off of his trumpet,” Moran said in a press release.
Jazz Ed: Essentially Ellington, Jazz At Lincoln Center’s high-school band competition founded in 1995, is taking place online this year. Interactive events—alumni performances, performer discussions, masterclasses and student performances—began Monday and run through Friday.
Chicago Fest: The Chicago Jazz Festival won’t take place as planned in 2020. Instead, a series of performances will be hosted at area venues with a limited number of attendees and broadcast online, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which plans the fest each year.
Redman Returns: Saxophonist Joshua Redman reconvened an iteration of his namesake quartet that hasn’t recorded together since the 1994 CD MoodSwing. His new album, RoundAgain, which features pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, is set for release July 10 on Nonesuch. Redman also recently was appointed artistic director for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Roots, Jazz and American Music program.
Blues Blessing: Guitarist Joe Bonamassa has initiated the Fueling Musicians Program, aiming to raise $250,000 for performers who have been set adrift amid the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative so far has received donations from Gibson Brands, Reverb and Peter Frampton.
Satchmo Award: Arbors Records owner Rachel Domber and her late husband, Matthew, were honored March 12 with the Satchmo Award at a Jazz Club of Sarasota event during the Sarasota Jazz Festival. The award was created “to honor those who have made a unique and enduring contribution to the living history of jazz,” said Ed Linehan, president of the club and managing director of the festival. “I can’t think of anyone who fits that definition better.” DB
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…
