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…
Drummer Johnathan Blake will lead a trio during Giant Step Arts’ kick-off events, which are scheduled for Sunday and Monday at the Jazz Gallery in New York.
(Photo: Jimmy Katz)Photographer and producer Jimmy Katz has founded a new nonprofit endeavor that will support jazz musicians.
Giant Step Arts is set to begin presenting a series of jazz performances, with a kick-off on Jan. 21 and 22. Katz will record, photograph and film the shows and offer the spoils to performers at no cost.
“Giant Step Arts will not be selling any music,” Katz, a frequent DownBeat contributor, said in a news release. “We have two goals: Help the musicians and raise more money, so we can help more musicians.”
Katz, who’s worked with David S. Ware, Joe Lovano, Harold Mabern, William Parker and scores of other performers, begins his Giant Step program with two nights of music at New York’s Jazz Gallery on Sunday and Monday. The Johnathan Blake Trio, featuring saxophonist Chris Potter and bassist Linda May Han Oh, are scheduled to perform four sets of music.
Future shows are expected to include saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa in a new trio setting, as well as Jason Palmer, who’s set to lead a quartet that features saxophonist Mark Turner and bassist Ben Williams.
For more information about Katz’s work, visit his website. And to donate to the organization, visit its sponsorship page.
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…