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…
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
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…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
Jul 16, 2026 1:34 PM
The DownBeat Critics Poll never ceases to amaze! And the 74th Edition offered plenty of accolades for poll veterans and…
Ibrahim was an early jazz acolyte, studying the music via 78s he would buy from soldiers stationed in South Africa — who also gave him the nickname “Dollar.”
Jun 30, 2026 3:19 PM
Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, the NEA Jazz Master from South Africa who helped fuse the folk music of his home country with…
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…
“There was something about her tone and sound and phrasing — an intimacy, a vulnerability, an honesty,” says Joshua Redman, who produced Cavassa’s record after she toured with his band.
Jun 16, 2026 1:27 AM
Gabrielle Cavassa is an avowed perfectionist. So when she failed to place despite becoming a finalist in the 2018 Sarah…
